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Developer outlines 200 MW solar project and 250 MW battery plan; some residents call for moratorium
Summary
Nexstar Energy told the commission it has land participation and plans for a 200 MW solar farm and 250 MW battery storage site in Brookings County; residents urged a moratorium ahead of formal filings to the Public Utilities Commission.
A representative for a renewable developer presented preliminary plans for a large solar and battery project and described ongoing local outreach.
Linda Christian, a project manager with Nexstar Energy Resources Company, told commissioners the company has secured sufficient land participation to pursue a 200‑megawatt solar farm and a 250‑megawatt battery storage installation in Brookings County and said staff and subject‑matter experts would be available at public information sessions. "We can build a 200 megawatt, solar farm and also a, 250 megawatt storage battery storage," she said during the presentation.
During public comment that followed, several residents voiced strong concerns about rapid solar development, environmental impacts, water use for panel maintenance, habitat loss, decommissioning waste and corporate ownership. Sue Engleman asked the commission to impose an immediate moratorium on all energy and power structures proposed for Brookings County until local zoning restrictions can be updated prior to Public Utilities Commission filings in September.
Commissioners and staff discussed local outreach plans, how the county’s zoning and battery ordinances (if any) would apply, and encouraged the developer to coordinate public meetings with county staff; the developer said it had held prior "coffee chats" and scheduled an on‑campus information session that day.
