LRE Acquires Harvey Solar Project to Expand Clean Energy Capacity and Economic Growth in Ohio
Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) has announced the acquisition of the Harvey Solar Project, a planned 350-megawatt (MW) solar energy facility located in Licking County, Ohio. The project, currently in the late stages of development, represents a significant step forward in expanding clean energy infrastructure in the United States while delivering long-term economic benefits to the local community. Construction on the project is expected to begin in the fall of 2026, with commercial operations anticipated by late 2028, subject to the completion of final development milestones and approvals.
Once operational, Harvey Solar will contribute substantially to regional electricity supply, helping meet growing demand for reliable and sustainable power in Ohio and across the broader Midwest. The project is also expected to strengthen domestic energy infrastructure and support the expansion of U.S.-based manufacturing by prioritizing domestically produced equipment and materials throughout the development and construction phases.
The acquisition highlights LRE’s ongoing commitment to investing in renewable energy projects that combine environmental sustainability with economic development. By bringing the Harvey Solar Project into its growing portfolio of renewable assets, the company aims to accelerate the deployment of clean energy while delivering meaningful value to local communities.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation
The Harvey Solar Project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to Licking County and surrounding areas. During the construction phase, the project is projected to create more than 300 jobs, with a strong emphasis on hiring workers from within Ohio. By prioritizing in-state labor, the project aims to ensure that the majority of employment opportunities generated by the development directly benefit local workers and contractors.
These construction jobs will span a wide range of roles, including engineering, site preparation, electrical work, equipment installation, logistics, and project management. In addition to direct employment, the project is likely to support additional economic activity in the region through increased demand for services such as transportation, hospitality, and local supply chains.
Beyond the construction phase, Harvey Solar is expected to provide long-term economic contributions to the community. The project is projected to generate more than $3 million in local revenue each year through property taxes and related payments. Over the estimated 40-year operational lifespan of the facility, this could amount to approximately $125 million in total revenue for local governments and institutions.
These funds are expected to support critical public services and community initiatives, including local schools, infrastructure improvements, emergency services, and other community priorities. The long-term revenue stream from the project could play an important role in strengthening the financial stability of local municipalities and improving quality of life for residents.
Supporting Growing Energy Demand
According to LRE leadership, the Harvey Solar Project represents both a strategic investment in clean energy and an opportunity to help meet the rapidly increasing electricity demand across the United States. Factors such as population growth, industrial expansion, and the rising energy requirements of digital infrastructure—including data centers and semiconductor manufacturing—are driving the need for additional power generation capacity.
“Harvey Solar represents a meaningful investment in Licking County and an important addition to LRE’s growing portfolio,” said Eran Maher, Chief Commercial Officer at 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.”
Maher emphasized that LRE aims to be a reliable and transparent partner to local stakeholders. As the project moves toward construction, the company intends to continue working closely with local officials, landowners, and residents to ensure the project is developed responsibly and delivers lasting benefits to the region.
Transition from Original Developer
The Harvey Solar Project was originally developed by Open Road Renewables (ORR), a renewable energy development firm that advanced the project through its early planning stages. ORR played a key role in securing permits, conducting environmental assessments, and engaging with local stakeholders to prepare the project for construction.
Cyrus Tashakkori, President of Open Road Renewables, expressed confidence in the project’s future under LRE’s ownership.
“We are proud of the work completed to advance Harvey Solar and to see the project move forward with LRE,” Tashakkori said. “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.”
The transition of the project to LRE marks a continuation of the development process rather than a change in direction. LRE plans to build upon the groundwork established by ORR while maintaining the commitments and relationships formed during the early stages of development.
Commitment to Responsible Development
LRE has indicated that it will uphold all existing permits, regulatory requirements, and commitments associated with the project. The company intends to maintain the collaborative approach established during the earlier phases of development, ensuring that community engagement and environmental stewardship remain central to the project’s progress.
Harvey Solar has already received its Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB). This approval followed an extensive, multi-year permitting process that included detailed environmental studies, public consultations, and regulatory reviews.
The permitting process addressed several important aspects of project development, including setback requirements designed to protect nearby properties, vegetative screening plans to reduce visual impacts, and soil conservation measures to preserve farmland and protect local ecosystems. The process also involved public hearings that allowed residents and local stakeholders to provide feedback and raise concerns.
By completing this comprehensive permitting process, the project has established a regulatory framework that ensures development will proceed in a responsible and environmentally conscious manner.
Community Engagement and Outreach
As part of its commitment to transparency and collaboration, LRE has already begun engaging with local stakeholders in Licking County. Company representatives have started meeting with local officials, participating landowners, and community members to discuss project details, answer questions, and provide updates on development timelines.
The company plans to continue these outreach efforts in the coming months, offering additional opportunities for community members to learn about the project and provide input. By maintaining open lines of communication, LRE aims to ensure that local perspectives are incorporated into the development process.
Community engagement is considered a key element of successful renewable energy projects, particularly in rural areas where large-scale infrastructure developments can have significant local impacts. Through ongoing dialogue with residents and stakeholders, LRE hopes to build trust and foster long-term partnerships within the community.
Strategic Location and Grid Benefits
The location of the Harvey Solar Project also offers strategic advantages for Ohio’s energy system. Aaron Zubaty, Chief Executive Officer of Eolian, highlighted the importance of the project’s proximity to rapidly growing industrial and digital infrastructure in the region.
“We began development of Harvey Solar with a focus on responsible siting and enduring value for the region,” Zubaty said. “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.”
The presence of major industrial facilities and data centers in the region is driving significant growth in electricity demand. By locating the solar project close to these energy-intensive operations, developers aim to reduce transmission constraints and deliver power more efficiently to where it is needed most.
This strategic siting approach can help improve overall grid performance while reducing the need for additional long-distance transmission infrastructure. As electricity demand continues to rise across the United States, projects like Harvey Solar are increasingly viewed as practical and scalable solutions for expanding generation capacity quickly and efficiently.
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