EDF Renewables, a subsidiary of French electric utility EDF, has secured clearance from the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) to move forward with its Eastern Cottontail Solar Project. Once operational, the facility will generate up to 220 MW, enough to power around 42,000 homes in Ohio.
EDF has also developed the The Amazon Solar Farm Ohio – Fox Squirrel Solar Project which reached full operational status in December 2024 and is the largest onshore renewable energy project ever developed and constructed by EDF Renewables North America at the time.
Enbridge Inc signs Fox Squirrel solar project deal, Ohio
Project Scope and Location
The Eastern Cottontail Solar Project will be developed on 1,550 acres of privately owned land in Fairfield County, Ohio, specifically within Walnut Township. The project is designed to feed electricity directly into the bulk transmission system, supporting regional energy needs.
Project Infrastructure
The solar farm will consist of solar panels, inverters, and a dedicated substation, all sized to achieve the proposed nameplate capacity. The design ensures efficient power generation and seamless integration with Ohio’s energy grid.
Sustainable Land Use: Sheep Grazing
In October 2024, EDF announced a unique land management initiative for the project. The company will introduce sheep grazing to maintain vegetation across the site, a practice that keeps the land in agricultural use while supporting sustainable energy production. To achieve this, EDF plans to partner with local shepherds to supply and manage the flock.
EDF Renewables North America, a subsidiary of the French energy giant EDF Group, is a leading developer of large-scale solar and wind projects across the United States. The company focuses on utility-scale solar farms as well as integrated solar-plus-storage solutions.
Project Factsheet: Eastern Cottontail Solar Project
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Developer: EDF Renewables (subsidiary of EDF Group)
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Location: Fairfield County, Ohio (Walnut Township)
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Capacity: Up to 220 MW (AC)
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Homes Powered: ~42,000
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Land Area: ~1,550 acres (privately owned)
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Regulatory Approval: Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB)
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Infrastructure: Solar panels, inverters, and a project substation
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Commissioning Timeline: Pending (date not specified)
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Sustainability Feature: Sheep grazing for vegetation management, in partnership with local shepherds
