US renewables developer Hexagon Energy has received approval for a special use permit for a 600MW photovoltaic project in Illinois.
The special permit award for the Steward Creek solar project, from the Lee County Board of Supervisors, follows previously received unanimous recommendation for approval from the Lee County Zoning Board of Appeals on 5 November 2020.
The project is expected to create 600 jobs during the two-year construction period, beginning in late 2022, and 15 to 20 fulltime operations and maintenance jobs.
The Steward Creek solar farm is located one hour due west of Chicago.
The project will interconnect to the PJM regional transmission system.
Studies are also underway to evaluate the addition of a 150MW/600 megawatt-hour energy storage system.
Hexagon CEO Matthew Hantzmon said: “Hexagon is extremely pleased to receive approval from Lee County for this project.
“The Lee County planning staff, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Board of Supervisors have been great partners during the permit process.
“Since Steward Creek’s conception, the number of participating landowners has grown to 24 across 68 parcels.
“During our outreach to adjacent and local neighbours, additional landowners in the area have expressed an interest in participating in a second phase of the project.
“This is the type of community enthusiasm and engagement that we strive to foster.”