Ohio regulators approve 149 MW solar and storage project

In a notable advancement for clean energy in Ohio, state regulators unanimously approved a permit for a 149 megawatt (MW) solar and 149 MW battery storage project at the Hamden Energy site in Vinton County. This decision, made in August 2026, is significant as it faced no opposition, which is rare in the current climate of increasing pushback against clean energy initiatives in the state. The project is part of a broader trend of repurposing former coal lands for solar energy, offering both environmental and economic benefits to the region. The Hamden Energy site is located in the southeast quadrant of Ohio, an area historically reliant on extractive industries, including coal mining.

Vinton County, where the project will be developed, has seen a decline in coal production over the last century. While there has been some economic growth in recent years, approximately 19% of the county’s population lives in poverty. The approval of this solar project is viewed as an opportunity to revitalize the area by harnessing its natural resources and providing additional tax revenue to support the local community. Recurrent Energy is the developer behind this initiative, and their approach to utilizing reclaimed land for solar energy production reflects a growing trend in the renewable energy sector. Ali Trunzo, a senior development manager at Recurrent Energy, remarked that developing solar on reclaimed land is an excellent way to leverage local resources for energy production.

The Vinton County board of commissioners did not oppose the project, despite a 2021 law that introduced more hurdles for renewable energy projects, indicating a shift in local governance attitudes towards clean energy. Typically, solar projects face criticisms regarding land use, particularly concerns about farmland being taken out of production. However, the Hamden Energy project will be constructed on land unsuitable for agriculture, specifically a reclaimed brownfield site. Projects like these often experience less opposition because they do not compete with agricultural land. Nevertheless, they can be more costly to develop due to the necessary site remediation and other environmental considerations.

The future of solar energy development on reclaimed lands in Ohio appears promising, especially with recent policy changes prioritizing investment in such areas. Under House Bill 15, passed in 2025, former mine lands and industrial brownfields are now recognized as priority investment areas. This new law aims to facilitate clean energy developments while supporting local economies. As Ohio looks to expand its clean energy portfolio, projects like the Hamden Energy site may pave the way for further initiatives that transform former industrial sites into sources of renewable energy, benefiting both the environment and the local community.