Meeting Approves Solar Conversion System

HOLT COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION ADMINISTRATOR MARV FRITZ takes notes while board members Keith May, John Krysl and Dean Sidak listen to Matt Robinettej, of Bluestem Energy Solutions, during an Aug. 22 public hearing for a conditional use permit for VRDG, LLC, to construct a commercial solar conversion system. Photo Courtsey Summerland Advocate

by Luann Schindler  

Summerland Advocate

Holt County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit, Aug. 22, for VRDG, LLC, to construct a commercial solar conversion system.

Matt Robinette, of Bluestem Energy Solutions, represented VRDG, LLC, and explained the 325-megawatt nameplate capacity site. Three hundred Holt County acres would be used in the project, with the balance of construction set to take place in Knox County. Approximately 68 megawatts would be produced in Holt County and 257 megawatts would come from the Knox County location.

The project will generate more than $1,300,000 in new tax revenue, according to Robinette, with $272,000 going to Holt County coffers.

During construction, approximately 250 jobs will be created, with three to five full-time positions for the operating life of the project.

After more than an hour of discussion from Bluestem officials and members of the public, the commission voted 7-1 to approve the CUP. Keith May cast the lone dissenting vote.

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