Project to create local jobs, deliver long-term economic benefits, and strengthen regional energy supply

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) announced the acquisition of the Harvey Solar Project, a planned 350 megawatt (MW) solar facility located in Licking County, Ohio. The project is in the late stages of development, with construction expected to begin in fall 2026 and commercial operations targeted for late 2028, subject to final development milestones. Harvey Solar will help expand domestic energy infrastructure, support U.S. manufacturing, and deliver meaningful economic and community benefits in the region.

Harvey Solar is expected to create more than 300 jobs during construction, with the majority of positions filled by in-state workers, ensuring local and in-region labor has priority. The project is also projected to deliver more than $3 million annually in local revenue, or approximately $125 million over its 40-year life, supporting schools, public services, and community priorities across Licking County.

“Harvey Solar represents a meaningful investment in Licking County and an important addition to LRE’s growing portfolio,” said Eran Maher, Chief Commercial Officer, LRE. “Projects like this help meet growing domestic energy demand, and with LRE’s focus on domestic equipment, Harvey supports U.S. manufacturing and creates good-paying jobs, all while delivering lasting value for the communities where we operate. We are committed to being a transparent, accessible, and reliable partner, and we look forward to working closely with local leaders, landowners, and residents to strengthen the region’s energy supply.”

The project was originally developed by Open Road Renewables (ORR), which advanced Harvey Solar through permitting and early-stage development.

“We are proud of the work completed to advance Harvey Solar and to see the project move forward with LRE,” said Cyrus Tashakkori, President of Open Road Renewables. “Harvey Solar reflects a shared commitment to best-in-class development and strong community partnerships, and will deliver long-term value for Licking County while supporting regional energy needs at a critical time for Ohio’s economy.”

LRE will continue the collaborative approach established to date and will fully uphold all permit requirements and existing commitments associated with the project. As the development progresses toward construction, LRE’s focus will be on a seamless transition and supporting a project that delivers reliable, affordable energy while creating long-term economic opportunities in the region.

Harvey Solar received its Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) following a comprehensive, multi-year permitting process that included detailed environmental studies, public hearings, setback requirements, vegetative screening plans, and ongoing soil and land stewardship measures.

LRE representatives have begun meeting with local officials, participating landowners, and community stakeholders and will continue outreach in the coming months to share project information and provide opportunities for engagement.

“We began development of Harvey Solar with a focus on responsible siting and enduring value for the region,” said Aaron Zubaty, Chief Executive Officer of Eolian. “Adding more than 350 MW of solar generation at a carefully selected location that is less than ten miles north of a massive chip fabrication facility under construction, as well as the project’s intentional proximity to gigawatts of operating data centers, will support more efficient use of the regional transmission network and strengthen grid reliability. Projects like Harvey Solar offer a practical, scalable, and immediate solution as electricity demand continues to rise with unprecedented speed.”

About LRE

Founded in Texas in 2003, LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) owns and operates 30+ wind, solar, and energy storage projects totaling over 4 GW nationwide. LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through its robust pipeline of new projects every year. We prioritize domestic jobs, local community partnerships, and protecting the land in our long-term approach to meet American energy needs. To learn more, visit www.lreus.com

About Open Road Renewables

Open Road Renewables is a project developer specializing in utility-scale solar and energy storage projects across the U.S. Founded by industry veterans, they have developed over 3 GW of renewable energy projects over the last decade, focusing on community-focused best-in-class development of large-scale, high-value energy projects.

About Eolian

Eolian operates a growing portfolio of battery energy storage projects and develops and invests in clean energy and co-located large load projects across the U.S. For over 20 years, Eolian's founding management has worked together to build the assets at the core of the company, creating unique and proprietary structures that have directly funded the development of nearly 30 GW of operating or under-construction energy storage, solar, and wind generating capacity across the country. Eolian is owned by its employees and funds that are managed by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a BlackRock company and leading global infrastructure investor. For more information, follow Eolian on LinkedIn, Youtube or visit www.eolianenergy.com.

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Source: Leeward Renewable Energy