OPALCO Explores Solar Expansion on Decatur Island
OPALCO is looking to build local renewable power generation to offset potential power shortfalls due to the lack of needed energy supply from the mainland. Blackouts or very expensive carbon-based fuels will likely be our energy future if we don’t find ways to site local utility-scale projects in San Juan County.
Earlier this year, OPALCO began to look at siting additional utility-scale solar on Decatur Island. The area OPALCO is looking at is close to the Decatur Island substation – a 19-acre parcel that surrounds the area. Being close to OPALCO’s infrastructure is one of the main benefits to siting this project at that location. The proposed project will occur on 8 acres of land – allowing for wetland protection that includes the proper buffers needed on these parcels.
The project is still in very early planning, and OPALCO is still working through the specifics. If OPALCO can move forward, there is potential for 2.1MW of solar generation. Additionally, OPALCO could utilize the Department of Commerce grants funds they were awarded to install ~1.2MW of solar that will directly benefit OPALCO’s energy assistance program that serves low-income community members throughout San Juan County.
OPALCO still plans to have solar generation on the other major islands including at the Bailer Hill site. Due to the additional conditions for permitting on San Juan and the timeline for the grant, that project is on hold. OPALCO will revisit that project when they have fulfilled the needed requirements. OPALCO is not planning to overburden Decatur with solar generation needed for the rest of San Juan County. If we added up all the solar generation currently proposed for Decatur (existing, plus planned), the total kWh generation could offset Decatur’s projected increase in electric usage (30%).
OPALCO has begun early engagement with the Decatur community in order to get feedback and find ways that this project can directly benefit the residents of this island. On May 10th, the OPALCO and Rock Island team held a town hall meeting at the schoolhouse on Decatur Island.
OPALCO started the discussion about the proposed Decatur solar expansion project. There were approximately 60 people in person and 25 online. OPALCO started off with a brief discussion of the project starting high-level to outline the regional power supply and then specifics to Decatur project. The tone of the meeting was respectful with most of the audience there to learn more about this project.
The key takeaways for OPALCO from community feedback include justifying the location, feasibility of other Decatur locations offered up by the community, provide a central hub on OPALCO’s website to communicate potential mitigation measures to address the top concerns centered around fire mitigation, stormwater runoff, forest removal, construction disturbance and disruptions, maintenance and aesthetics, to provide environmental reports, and to communicate timeline logistics.
OPALCO agreed to hosting more town halls and have extensive detailed project updates going forward. Find the latest information at www.opalco.com/decatur.
