But the New Market Solar project, built on more than 1,000 acres in Highland County, is generating controversy at the state and local levels. Many residents are upset at the loss of valuable farmland, and they don’t like living near solar facilities that are shielded by prison-like fences and scraggly vegetation. “It actually reminds me of 'The Hunger Games' in that we’re kind of like the sector that’s producing the energy for Cincinnati,” said Becky Williams, who has fought solar expansion in Highland County for years. Already nine large-scale solar projects are either operational, under construction or planned for four counties within an hour’s drive of Cincinnati in Clermont, Clinton, Highland and Brown.
The city of Cincinnati is now receiving enough solar energy to power more than 400 municipal buildings, and has already saved more than $1 million in electricity costs since last year.
Solar Farm groundbreaking
By Tim Colliver - tcolliver@aimmediamidwest.com
Members of the families who are landowners for the New Market Solar project joined in the groundbreaking ceremonies held Thursday at the Carraher farm on Stringtown Road. Shown (l-r) are Harold Hauke, Doug Carraher, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, Brad Carraher and Hecate Development Associate Jared Wren.
Tim Colliver | The Times-Gazette
Brigh Local School District Superintendent Mike Bick delivers remarks at Thursday’s groundbreaking of New Market Solar.
Tim Colliver | The Times-Gazette
Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and industry representatives from Hecate Energy, Liberty Power and other companies involved in the New Market Solar I & II project gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at the farm of Doug Carraher on Stringtown Road between Taylorsville and Mowrystown.
âA cleaner future.â Officials break ground on Cincinnatiâs massive new solar array project
The facility is expected to generate enough electricity to power 100 percent of Cincinnatiâs electricity consumption for all city-owned and operated services. Cincinnati and energy company officials break ground on a new solar array in Highland County, May 13, 2021. (Source: Briana Rice/Enquirer) By Briana Rice | May 13, 2021 at 8:37 PM EDT - Updated May 13 at 8:43 PM
CINCINNATI (Enquirer) - In an open field in Highland County, typically used for soybean and corn, Cincinnati leaders and partners broke ground on what officials are calling the largest municipal solar array in the country, according to our media partners at the Enquirer.
Highland solar farm groundbreaking held
By Tim Colliver - tcolliver@aimmediamidwest.com
Members of the families who are landowners for the New Market Solar project joined in the groundbreaking ceremonies held Thursday at the Carraher farm on Stringtown Road. Shown (l-r) are Harold Hauke, Doug Carraher, Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley, Brad Carraher and Hecate Development Associate Jared Wren.
Tim Colliver | The Times-Gazette
Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and industry representatives from Hecate Energy, Liberty Power and other companies involved in the New Market Solar I & II project gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at the farm of Doug Carraher on Stringtown Road between Taylorsville and Mowrystown.