Community Focused Clean Energy Developed Responsibly
Meet the Harvey Solar Project
Harvey Solar is a proposed 350 Megawatt (MW) solar project in Hartford and Bennington Townships in Licking County, Ohio
Harvey Solar is being developed by Open Road Renewables, a renewable energy company with extensive experience in Ohio.
Harvey Solar will provide low-cost, emission-free electricity to Ohio businesses and homeowners
Advances in technology, production techniques, and construction have made solar competitive with traditional energy sources in Ohio and across the USA. Solar creates jobs, increases local tax revenue, and supports regional manufacturing and economic development. Solar projects have a minimal environmental impact, create no emissions, are low profile and easily screened from view, and are designed to create no noise for neighboring residents. Harvey will be a good neighbor and a valuable contributor to the local economy.
Harvey plans to connect to the Ohio electric grid on the same circuit as the nearby, retiring Conesville Power Plant, a large coal-fired facility. Harvey will help replace this local generation resource while providing jobs and investment locally. This new, clean electric generation capacity will serve the growing tech sector in Licking County in addition to area homes and businesses.
For 157 years, Hartford has been home to “the Biggest Little Fair in the World”—the Hartford Fair—which has been showcasing the county’s rich tradition in agriculture and youth development. Harvey Solar understands and appreciates the unique and interesting history and culture in Licking County, and we are proud to be a part of the community.
We understand that most people first experience solar seeing it on a rooftop, next to a school, or as they drive past an installation along the highway. Check out our frequently asked questions, state or university produced reference documents, and links to other well-vetted information resources.
What is a Solar Project?
OPSB Staff issued its Staff Report of Investigation on February 25, 2022 summarizing the Application, Staff’s findings, and recommendations.
In April of 2022, Licking County entered into a PILOT Agreement with Harvey Solar, ensuring that Hartford Township, Northridge Schools, and the greater Licking County Community realize the maximum benefit of the Harvey Solar Project.
On October 20, 2022 the OPSB approved the Harvey Project. This Certificate includes the OPSB’s conditions on the Project.
On April 20, 2023 the OPSB denied a motion for Rehearing. This decision reiterates the validity of OPSB’s decision granting the Certificate.
Solar and Economic Development
Utility-scale solar represents a massive opportunity for Ohio Townships and Counties to secure durable, predictable revenue for generations. Ancillary benefits such as well-paying construction and operations jobs, low impact on services (water, sewer, emergency, roads) and outsize contributions to education make solar an excellent addition to the local tax base.
Open Road Renewables Receives State Approval of Harvey Solar
The Ohio Power Siting Board approved the Harvey Solar Project, leading the way for a 350 MW solar facility in Licking County
Columbus, OH – October 20 – Following seventeen months of review, Harvey Solar was granted its Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need today by the Ohio Power Siting Board. Developed by Open Road Renewables, Harvey Solar will be located in Hartford and Bennington Townships of Licking County with an 18-24 month construction phase anticipated to begin in 2024. Once operational, this solar project will feed clean electricity into a pre-existing 138kv electric transmission line, delivering more than $126 million in new tax revenue to the local community over the project’s lifetime. Harvey Solar has made additional financial commitments to the Hartford Fire Department, the Hartford Independent Fair, Licking County Park District, and other community benefits that will be realized when the project commences construction.
The Licking County Board of Commissioners approved a taxing structure for the project in April, which will ensure the financial benefit of the project stays in the community. The County Commissioners’ action will also ensure the hundreds of construction workers needed will be sourced locally. Harvey Solar is partnering with the local joint vocational school, C-TEC, on workforce development to help future generations of Licking County students pursue careers in the skilled trades. Harvey Solar will require 300-400 construction workers, with additional long-term employees during operation.
“Open Road Renewables and the Harvey Solar team are appreciative of the Hartford community’s support and look forward to continuing our partnership.” said Samantha Sawmiller, Director of Development for Open Road Renewables. “We are proud to be adding this solar investment to the growing list of successful economic development activities in Licking County.”
"Renewable energy opportunities like the Harvey Solar project make Licking County more attractive to business investors including Amazon, Google, Facebook, and most recently Intel,” said Alexis Fitzsimmons, Executive Director of GROW Licking County. “With an over $400 million capital investment, Harvey Solar will serve as a transformative opportunity for townships, schools, the county, and other local entities to benefit from the revenue, jobs, and clean energy it will produce in our community. With the approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board, we are one step closer to another game-changing project for Licking County.”
“Open Road Renewables is investing in the youth of our community,” said Teri Holder with Northridge Athletic Boosters. “They have stepped up in a big way to help meet the needs of the Northridge Athletic Boosters and the Northridge student athletes. Once the project is operational, one of the long-term benefits of Harvey Solar is over $50 million in direct revenues to our schools. We applaud the decision of the state to move this important local project forward.”
“Through its partnership with our local farmers, Open Road Renewables is developing a solar project that our community can be proud of, with pollinator habitat and a thoughtful design that will fit into our rural landscape,” said Keith Wilson with the Licking County Citizens for Solar. “Harvey Solar will leave a lasting impact on our schools, fire station, and local businesses. We are pleased that the Ohio Power Siting Board approved this important project and look forward to seeing homegrown, clean energy enrich our lives for years to come.”
Learn more about Harvey Solar and Open Road Renewables at https://www.harveysolar.com/ and www.openroadrenewables.com.
Why Solar, Why Ohio?
Hear stories from Ohio farmers and landowners about why they decided to place a portion of their ground in a solar project.
Would you like to learn more about the Harvey Solar Project?
Ohio Power Siting Board
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) oversees the permitting of energy generation projects of 50 MW or greater in size.
Harvey Solar was approved by the OPSB in late 2022 and that decision was upheld in April of 2023. The approval by OPSB was appealed to the Ohio Surpreme Court in June of 2023. The Harvey Solar team expects a positive resolution of the Supreme Court appeal in late 2024.
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