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Staff: PJM transmission requirement could delay construction of four approved solar projects up to four years; Taro Solar application deemed complete
Summary
Staff told the Planning Commission that PJM requires four approved solar projects to connect to a not-yet-designed 230 kV line, potentially delaying construction up to four years; Taro Solar is ready for comprehensive plan review and a convenience store/gas station application will be scheduled for public hearing.
At the March 20 meeting, planning staff updated commissioners on recent solar project developments and permitting matters.
Staff reported that PJM, the regional grid operator, concluded that four previously approved solar projects must connect to a 230-kilovolt transmission line that has yet to be designed. Staff said that connection requirement could delay those projects’ construction by as much as four years. The Commission did not take action on the projects but noted the delay could affect the county’s ability to evaluate operational outcomes of approved projects.
Staff also said the Taro Solar application was deemed complete, enabling the comprehensive plan compliance review to begin as soon as the April Planning Commission meeting. Separately, staff confirmed receipt of a conditional use permit application for a convenience store and gas station and said a public hearing will be scheduled for the April meeting.
During Commissioners’ Time, several members asked staff to research project performance for operational solar facilities and expressed concern about erosion and stormwater noncompliance at some sites. Commissioner Miller Adams noted oversight of logging on land being prepared for solar has shifted from the Department of Forestry to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and that some regional DEQ offices are awaiting state guidance on how to address that responsibility.
