Second large solar project slated for Dubois County

Lightsource bp is in the early stages of constructing a 100-megawatt solar panel farm west of the Huntingburg Airport.

The company is a 50-50 partnership between Lightsource Renewable Energy and bp (British Petroleum) formed after bp acquired 50 percent ownership in Lightsource Renewable Energy about five years ago.

According to Mary Grikas, vice president, Head of Marketing & Communications, this is the third solar project Lightsource bp is working on in Indiana. They are also developing Bellflower Solar about 40 miles east of Indianapolis and is about to begin construction of Honeysuckle Solar in St. Joseph County.

The company has already been in touch with Dubois County landowners to lease land in the area they are looking to place the approximately 500-acre farm named Crossvine Solar. The company will also seek additional acreage to accommodate setbacks, buffer zones and any other requirements for the field.

Lightsource bp’s project is the second solar project being planned in Dubois County.

Earlier this year, EDP Renewables announced they were constructing the Duff Solar Park. According to Sarah Greenberg, Development Project Manager – Eastern Region for EDP Renewables North America, the company has secured all the necessary land for the project. The company previously stated they would seek 1,200 to 1,500 acres to create the 600-900 acres field.

Greenberg also reported the company had completed the engineering and environmental studies necessary for the project.

Both companies (Lightsource bp and EDP Renewables) cited the recent addition of the transmission line that has increased the interconnection to the electric grid managed by Midcontinent Independent System Operator as reason for coming to Dubois County.

Lightsource bp also stated that the county’s adoption of the state’s standards for solar projects was a factor in bringing the project to Dubois County.

Other than adopting the state’s guidelines under Senate Enrolled Act 411, which went into effect July 1, 2022, the county does not have zoning guidelines for developments. This streamlines the process of approving these types of projects.

Lightsource bp said construction on the project is tentatively scheduled to begin in 2024 and EDP Renewables has a similar timeline.

Lightsource bp plans on operating the field for up to 40 years. You can see many of the company’s solar projects here.

Cover Photo by Andreas Gücklhorn on Unsplash