Significant solar projects in New York, Wisconsin, and China demonstrate a worldwide shift towards renewable energy sources, despite some local concerns and reservations. Projects aim to power tens of thousands of homes and contribute to a greener future.
Three major solar projects are progressing in different regions, demonstrating a global trend toward renewable energy.
In Canton, New York, a large solar and storage project by EDF Renewables is advancing despite local leaders’ reservations. The Rich Road Solar and Storage Project, spanning nearly 2000 acres of farmland, aims to power 61,000 homes in New York state. Concerns have been raised about aesthetics, economic impacts, and potential safety issues, such as a repeat of the battery fire incident in Chaumont last year. Local officials have voiced their opinions, but the project remains state-permitted, with construction slated to begin in 2025 and completion expected by 2027.
In the Town of Hallie and Village of Lake Hallie, Wisconsin, a 26-acre solar project by One Energy Renewables and Solarshare Wisconsin Cooperative is underway. Started in June, this project will supply renewable energy to more than 1,300 households through local utilities. Xcel Energy plans to purchase power from this solar farm, which is expected to be operational by the end of the year.
In China, the state-owned China Three Gorges Renewables Group is developing an 8 GW solar farm as part of an integrated energy project in Ordos, Inner Mongolia. This $10.99 billion project also includes 4 GW of wind power, 5 GWh of energy storage, 200 MW of solar thermal power, and 4 GW of coal-fired power. The project, which will supply power to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region via an ultra-high voltage transmission line, is set to start construction in September and aims to be operational by June 2027. China Three Gorges Renewables will hold a 56% stake in the project, with Inner Mongolia Energy Group controlling 44%.
