COLUMBUS, OH – April 17, 2025 – The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has approved a fast-tracked review process for a proposed natural gas power plant in Licking County while denying a large-scale solar project in Stark County due to overwhelming local opposition.
PowerConneX, Inc. was granted permission to file an accelerated application for its planned 120-megawatt (MW) natural gas-fired power generation facility in New Albany. The proposed plant would be constructed within an existing industrial site and is expected to meet state capacity and location criteria for a 90-day OPSB review process. Public informational meetings on the project were held earlier this year on February 19 and March 26.
Meanwhile, the board rejected Stark Solar, LLC’s application to build a 150 MW solar-powered electric generating facility in Washington Township, Stark County. The OPSB cited unified opposition from local governments—including Stark County and Washington Township—as well as widespread concerns from residents during public comment. The proposed solar project would have spanned 555 acres within an 860-acre area.
In a third decision, the OPSB approved a vegetation management amendment for the Big Plain Solar project in Madison County. The amendment allows for the use of sheep grazing—up to 4,500 sheep across 1,460 fenced acres—as a natural and sustainable alternative to traditional mowing.
For more information, visit the OPSB website at www.OPSB.ohio.gov and view each case at the following docket numbers:
- PowerConneX, Inc.: 25-90-EL-BGN
- Stark Solar: 23-931-EL-BGN
- Big Plain Solar, LLC: 24-1137-EL-BGA
