The Wabash County Commissioners have approved an application from RWE Energy to site a large solar farm in rural Wabash County.
For the second straight Monday, opponents of the project packed the Wabash County Courtroom during the commissioners’ regular meeting, voicing concerns about farmland loss, property values, wildlife impacts, glare from solar panels, and long-term environmental effects. Several nearby residents said the project would negatively affect their quality of life, while others urged commissioners to place the decision before voters or impose a moratorium.
Representatives for RWE and its development partner, R3 Gateway, told commissioners the Friendsville Solar Project complies with the county’s solar ordinance adopted in 2023. The county’s third-party consultant, Bellwether, confirmed the application met all ordinance and state requirements. Project attorneys emphasized that state law requires approval when an application meets local standards.
Developers also highlighted economic benefits, including road improvements, hundreds of construction jobs, permanent jobs, and increased tax revenue. According to figures presented at the meeting, the project could generate an average of more than 1.7 million dollars annually in new tax revenue, largely benefiting local schools and other taxing districts.
Commissioners acknowledged the emotional and divisive nature of the decision, noting the balance between neighboring residents’ concerns and property owners’ rights. After extensive public comment and discussion, the commissioners voted 3–0 to approve the application.
With the approval, the Friendsville Solar Project can move forward under the conditions outlined in the county’s solar ordinance.