Two new solar farms in Fayette County and Marion County are being planned for construction by the East Kentucky Power Cooperative.
The two farms combined are expected to produce 136 megawatts, enough for 15,500 homes. It’s the co-op’s second solar project, with their first farm being built in Clark County in 2017.
Separately, the Fayette County farm would generate 40 megawatts for 4,500 homes. The Marion County farm would generate 96 megawatts for 11,000 homes.
“Over the next decade, we expect to implement about 1000 megawatts of solar energy coming up in the next 10 years,” co-op representative Nick Comer said.
The co-op is also preparing to accommodate large businesses who are becoming more interested in sustainable energy.
“When we have large industries that are considering Kentucky, often they're looking for options that they can take a certain percentage of their energy use, whether that's 25, 50 or 100 percent of their facilities’ use to make that renewable,” Comer said.
The projects are currently in front of the Public Service Commission, which will need to approve them before moving forward.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.
