The Wabash County Commissioners have delayed action on a proposal to build a large-scale solar farm in rural Wabash County.
A standing-room-only crowd filled the Wabash County courtroom Monday afternoon for a public hearing on an application from RWE to construct a 425-megawatt solar farm. Numerous representatives from the company were on hand to answer questions.
According to RWE, nearly 6,000 acres near the former Friendsville Mine have been leased for the project, with solar panels planned for about 3,000 acres. Roughly 75 percent of that land sits on reclaimed mine ground. Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and continue through the fourth quarter of 2028. The company says the project would generate enough power for 68,000 homes per year.
If approved, the solar farm would create around 300 construction jobs, but only four full-time positions once the site is operational.
Residents raised a wide range of concerns during the hearing, while supporters, including AEA President Craig Newman and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lesley Hipsher, said the project would provide a significant economic boost to the community.
Commissioners had originally planned to hold a special meeting immediately after the hearing to vote on the application, but instead tabled the decision. They said they want additional time to gather information requested by attendees that was not immediately available. The matter is now expected to be taken up again at the next commissioners meeting on Monday.
More information on the project can be found via these links:
https://americas.rwe.com/our-energy/solar-energy/solar-projects-and-locations/friendsville-solar/
The hearing can be heard here…
RWE’s Matthew Spaccapaniccia addresses the standing room only crowd at Monday’s public hearing.