By Scout Nelson
A proposed $165 million solar farm in McCook County, South Dakota, is dividing residents as the Board of Adjustment prepares to vote on a conditional use permit on Tuesday.
The 99-megawatt project, promising clean energy for some 12,500 homes, has sparked passionate arguments between supporters and opponents. Landowners see financial benefits and county revenue, while neighbors worry about impacts on agriculture, property values, and aesthetics.
Public hearings in November and December saw strong opinions aired, leading the board to visit another solar farm for firsthand experience. Their observations will be shared at Tuesday's meeting, though public comment will be limited to this specific topic.
This isn't the first delay. National Grid Renewables, the project developer, initially withdrew its permit application last year after facing public opposition. The revised proposal, scaled down by one megawatt, reignited the debate.
Complicating matters, county officials lack deep expertise in solar energy, prompting calls for clearer state regulations. Commissioner Marc Dick, a 22-year veteran, acknowledges the difficulty in navigating this unfamiliar territory.
While the project falls just below the 100-megawatt threshold requiring state oversight, its size remains significant for South Dakota, a state lagging in solar adoption. Despite ranking 47th in installed capacity nationwide, the industry provides nearly 483 jobs and $110 million in value.
With all eyes on the upcoming vote, Tuesday's meeting promises further heated debate and potentially a defining decision for McCook County and its relationship with renewable energy.
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography
Categories: South Dakota, Energy