National Grid’s Yellowbud solar project.
National Grid Renewables has announced the start of on-site construction at its Dodson Creek Solar Project in Highland County, Ohio. Once operational, the Dodson Creek project, located in the PJM market, will deliver 117 MW of clean solar energy and generate an estimated $49 million in direct economic benefit to the local community. The project is expected to start in mid-2025.
“Dodson Creek is our fourth project to begin construction in Ohio and the second in Highland County,” said Joe Ibrahim, VP of construction and engineering for National Grid. “This project is the next chapter in our commitment to helping communities across Ohio realize the economic benefits of the clean energy transition.”
Dodson Creek follows National Grid Renewables’ operational Yellowbud Solar project – the first and largest project in its portfolio in Ohio, as well as current construction projects, Ross County Solar and Fayette Solar. In total, in addition to a robust development portfolio, the four projects represent a portfolio of 558.5 MW of construction and operations projects across the Buckeye State.
Dodson Creek will positively impact the local community in many ways. During the construction phase, the 1,300-acre project will create and sustain approximately 200 construction jobs. Dodson Creek has signed a contract with Kiewit as its Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) partner.
“Our fourth collaboration with NG Renewables on the Dodson Creek Solar Project is an example of our enduring partnership and commitment to renewable energy,” said Brian Koller, VP of Kiewit Power Constructors Co. “We value the strong relationships we have built with the local union trade and the Highland County community. Kiewit is proud to contribute to a sustainable future through the Dodson Creek Solar Project.”
Continuing the long-standing partnership with First Solar, the Dodson Creek project will utilize next-generation Series 7 modules developed and manufactured by First Solar at its Toledo, Ohio manufacturing facility.
“There is real momentum driving solar growth in Ohio, First Solar’s home state,” said Darin Green, senior director at First Solar. “We are proud to support National Grid Renewables with American-made Series 7 modules, manufactured approximately a 3.5-hour drive from the Dodson Creek site, as they continue to make prominent contributions to Ohio’s sustainable energy future. We are confident that Dodson Creek will be a great addition to the state.”
Once operational, the project is expected to generate approximately $21 million in new tax revenue for Highland County and local townships, school districts and emergency (fire/EMS/mental health) districts. In addition, National Grid Renewables has pledged to contribute $585,000 to Highland County charities and organizations through a dedicated charitable fund. This follows a previous commitment of more than $1 million to the Ohio communities of Ross and Pickaway Counties through the Yellowbud Solar project. These charitable funds are unique to National Grid Renewables and illustrate their commitment to being good neighbors within the communities where their projects are built.
News item from National Grid Renewables