Beatrice, NE – Norris Public Power District and Today’s Power, Inc. are seeking approval from the Gage County Board to construct a 1-megawatt solar power facility southwest of Beatrice in Elm Township. The proposed site is approximately seven miles south of Ellis.
A public hearing was held on Wednesday, October 30th, to discuss the project, which would be located on land owned by Jeff Hays. Hays expressed his willingness to host the solar farm, noting that the project has been in the works for about three years.
Jerry Enns, Engineering Director for Norris Public Power District, explained that the district is actively pursuing renewable energy projects to secure affordable and reliable power for its customers. The solar farm near Beatrice would join several other solar installations in the district’s six-county service area, including projects in Lancaster, Saline, Seward, and Thayer counties.
The proposed solar farm would utilize 2,550 solar panels, capable of generating 1 megawatt of electricity. The panels would be mounted on single-axis trackers to optimize solar energy production throughout the day. The facility would be enclosed by a seven-foot chain-link fence and surrounded by low-maintenance grasses.
The Gage County Board is expected to make a final decision on the special use permit for the solar farm in the coming weeks.
