Iowa Board Approves 200 Megawatts of Solar Projects

The Iowa Utilities Board on July 26 granted certificates for Duane Arnold Solar Projects, pending approval from the Linn County Board of Supervisors. The certificates authorize Duane Arnold Solar LLC and Duane Arnold Solar II LLC to use a public resource within an area. On the back of this, the project proposes to use photovoltaic solar arrays to produce up to 200 megawatts of electricity. NextEra is expected to invest $800 million in the solar project.

The Duane Arnold Solar I project intends to utilize 316 acres of an 857-acre area to put photovoltaic solar arrangements proficient of producing up to 50 megawatts. The Duane Arnold Solar II project would use 815 acres of a 1,780-acre area to allocate solar panels proficient in producing up to 150 megawatts and a 75-megawatt, four-hour battery energy storage plant. As part of the approval process, any expansion to total generating capacity or the addition of a storage facility will require the companies to file for an amendment to the relevant certificate with the board.

Moreover, the board permitted the companies’ appeals for waivers for a trial and proceedings since solar project developers are not requesting eminent domain authority for land acquisition. In its place, all participating landowners authorized and agreed to the usage of their property via voluntary easement agreements.

The Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission is expected to examine and recommend approval or denial of a zoning changes needed for the projects on July 28. Following the discussion, the Linn County Board of Supervisors will vote in August to authorize or refute the companies’ request for rezoning under the county’s utility-scale solar installation ordinance.