Ricky Junquera - ricky.junquera@sierraclub.org - (617) 599-7048
Columbus, OH -- Today, AEP Ohio filed at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio to develop the two largest solar projects in Ohio history - the 300 MW Highland Solar project and the 100 MW Willowbrook Solar project, both located in Highland County. These projects will make Ohio a solar leader in the Midwest and build more solar generation than is currently built in any of our surrounding five states, according to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Neil Waggoner, Ohio Campaign Representative for Sierra Club said: "These are the sort of transformative projects that really move the ball forward for clean energy in our state and today's announcement is something AEP customers, and all Ohioans, should be excited about. The projects will help answer the demand for clean energy AEP customers and businesses are demanding and provide significant economic development and good jobs in areas of that state that need more support. As Ohio continues the inevitable move beyond coal, what comes next is here and now; massive investment in clean energy in our communities and good Ohio jobs to support it."
According to AEP’s filing, the construction of the Appalachian solar projects will create approximately 3,900 jobs and at least 113 permanent jobs. These are jobs and new opportunities for industry in an area of Ohio in need of new future focused investments.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.