Another solar farm’s construction has been delayed.

Jay County Council approved an amendment to an economic development agreement and tax abatement Wednesday with Hodson Energy, adding a one-year extension to construction plans for New Jay Solar.

Hodson Energy is one of four renewable energy companies planning solar farms in Jay County. It’s also the last of the current roster to seek a timeline change, with the county approving amendments on construction dates for solar facilities with Invenergy, Leeward Renewable Energy and Scout Clean Energy in 2024.

Hodson Energy is planning a 311-acre farm in Richland Township, just east of Dunkirk. The company plans to invest around $67.5 million into the farm, which is expected to produce up to 39 megawatts of energy and employ one to two full-time solar technicians on site.

Hodson Energy signed economic development, road use and decommissioning agreements with the county as well as a development plan and 10-year tax abatement last year. (The company will have 100% of property taxes abated over the entire 10-year period, saving it $4.4 million in property taxes.) The economic development agreement stipulates Hodson Energy will provide $2.516 million to Jay County over four years.

The company’s original timeline as approved on county agreements set construction to begin no later than June 30, 2026, with the facility to begin generating electricity by Dec. 31, 2027. That timeline has now shifted, with a completion date no later than Dec. 31, 2028.

Kyle West, chief development officer of Hodson Energy, explained there are a couple reasons for the amendments. He pointed to new requirements through regional transmission organization PJM interconnection surrounding procurement of major equipment and sourcing of that equipment.

“Global supply chains are not what they were when we first set those dates,” he explained. “We still very much will be building the project, going full speed ahead, development is essentially done. It’s really just about the timing of getting the major equipment on site.”

Attorney Maura Hoff of DeFur Voran, Muncie, shared a few minor adjustments made with the amendments, with county attorney Wes Schemenaur noting the main differences are the timeline change and payment structure. (Like other amended agreements with solar companies, Hodson Energy will make its first economic development payment to the county at the start of construction.)

Council president Matt Minnich questioned if changes at the federal level will impact Hodson Energy’s project in Jay County. West said New Jay Solar is far along enough in the process that it will qualify for construction.

Council then approved the amended agreement and abatement.
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