National Grid Renewables has announced the start of construction on its Dodson Creek Solar Project in Highland County, Ohio. Located within the PJM market, the 117 megawatt (MW) project will generate clean energy and contribute an estimated $49 million in direct economic benefits to the local community. This marks the fourth project to begin construction in Ohio for National Grid Renewables and the second in Highland County.
“Dodson Creek is our fourth project to begin construction in Ohio and the second in Highland County,” said Joe Ibrahim, Vice President of Construction and Engineering. “This project is the next chapter in our commitment to helping communities across Ohio realize the economic benefits of the clean energy transition.”
The Dodson Creek project follows the operational Yellowbud Solar project, the first and largest in National Grid Renewables’ Ohio portfolio, and its current construction projects, Ross County Solar and Fayette Solar. In total, these four projects, along with a robust development portfolio, represent a 558.5 MW portfolio of construction and operating projects throughout Ohio.
The 1,300-acre project will create and sustain approximately 200 construction jobs during the construction phase. Kiewit is the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) partner for the project. “Our fourth collaboration with NG Renewables on the Dodson Creek Solar Project exemplifies our enduring partnership and commitment to renewable energy,” said Brian Koller, vice president, Kiewit Power Constructors Co. “We value the strong relationships we have built with the local union craft and the Highland County community. Kiewit is proud to contribute to a sustainable future through the Dodson Creek Solar Project.”
National Grid Renewables will utilize First Solar’s next generation Series 7 modules for the project. These modules are manufactured at First Solar’s Toledo, Ohio facility. “There is real momentum driving the growth of solar in Ohio today, First Solar’s home state,” stated Darin Green, Senior Director at First Solar. “We are proud to be supporting National Grid Renewables with American-made Series 7 modules, manufactured about 3.5 hours away from the Dodson Creek site, as they continue to prominently contribute to Ohio’s sustainable energy future. We are certain Dodson Creek will be a great addition to the state.”
Once operational, the project is anticipated to produce approximately $21 million in new tax revenue for Highland County and local townships, school districts, and emergency services. National Grid Renewables has also pledged to contribute $585,000 to Highland County charities and organizations through a dedicated charitable fund. This follows a previous pledge of over $1 million to the Ohio communities of Ross and Pickaway Counties through its Yellowbud Solar project.
Estimated to begin operations in mid-2025, the Dodson Creek project is anticipated to avoid an estimated 198,400 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions every year during operation, equivalent to taking an estimated 44,000 cars off the road for a year.
“National Grid Renewables is committed to being a good neighbor within the communities in which our projects are built, and we are proud to contribute to the economic and environmental well-being of Highland County,” said National Grid Renewables’ spokesperson. “We believe that Dodson Creek Solar will be a valuable asset to the community for many years to come.”
