A 12.5 megawatt solar generation facility will be built on the east side of Grand Island in a collaboration between Grand Island Utilities and Nelnet Renewable Energy.
The city of Grand Island says the project is “a significant advancement in their shared commitment to sustainable energy solutions.”
Ryan Schmitz of Grand Island Utilities discussed the project at a Grand Island City Council meeting on June 27. Also at the meeting were Jess Baker, director of special projects for Nelnet Renewable Energy, and engineering manager Travis Kepler. The City Council approved the project unanimously.
“Conveniently located adjacent to an existing community solar facility and a strategically positioned substation, the 43.73-acre parcel chosen by the team offers a direct pathway for seamless interconnection,” says a release from the city of Grand Island.
“The excellent collaboration in site selection is just the beginning for this partnership,” Baker said. “We’re excited to start working with the City of Grand Island Utilities to generate clean, renewable energy for the city’s residents while we help maintain the eco-friendly habitat that’s so valued by this city and its residents and businesses.”
“Thanks to the initiative shown by Mr. Schmitz and Assistant Utilities Director Lynn Mayhew to develop a solar facility of this size, Grand Island utility customers will benefit from renewable energy generated right here by GIUD,” said Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele. “In addition, the partnership between Nelnet and Grand Island will enable us to bring back the tax dollars that our taxpayers send to Washington, D.C., and pay for the construction of this pioneering project with federal funds.”
