This story was originally published by Inside Climate News and is being shared here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Converse County in Wyoming has shown a strong commitment to clean energy, with one wind turbine for every 20 residents, making it the highest ratio in the state. Recently, at a County Commissioners meeting, a significant step was taken towards diversifying the energy infrastructure by issuing its first solar farm permit to BrightNight. The global energy company plans to build over 1 million solar panels, a battery storage facility, and transmission lines on a 4,738-acre private land near Glenrock owned by the Tillard ranching family.
Dubbed the Dutchman Project, this solar farm will have its panels raised off the ground to allow sheep grazing beneath them, a technique known as “agrivoltaics.” This blend of solar generation with traditional agricultural practices could foster a unique relationship between two industries that often compete for resources – ancient ranching and high-tech renewable energy.
During the Commissioners meeting, they directed the county attorney to draft an order of approval for the Dutchman Project, showing positive signs for the project’s permit approval. BrightNight’s Vice President of Communications, Maribeth Sawchuk, expressed pride in reaching this milestone and emphasized the company’s commitment to utility-scale renewable power solutions and community engagement.
Jim Willox, Chairman of the Converse County Commissioners, highlighted the county’s shift from a coal-driven economy to welcoming renewables as part of its energy portfolio. Despite the economic benefits of the solar farm, there are concerns about its impact on wildlife and residents. The company is working to address these issues, including coordinating with the Wyoming Game and Fish department and adjusting the project layout in response to community feedback.
Research has shown that agrivoltaic solar farms can enhance land productivity and provide benefits for sheep ranchers. The shade provided by the solar panels can reduce heat stress on plants, leading to improved vegetation quality and increased weight gain in grazing animals. While sheep seem to thrive in this setup, challenges remain in adapting the concept to cattle due to their different behavior.
In Wyoming, where sheep ranching has a long history, there is a growing interest in exploring the potential of agrivoltaics for expanding revenue and financial stability. Despite challenges, the blending of renewable energy and agriculture could offer a sustainable solution for both industries in the evolving energy landscape.
