Another solar energy company is making its pitch for support in Will County.
Earthrise Energy is proposing a 260 megawatt solar project in an area encompassing 2,400 acres, including some just outside the corporate limits of Monee.
Flavia Scott, project development associate for the Arlington, Virginia, -based company told the Monee Board of Trustees last week that the project is within the Village of Crete, where they will be seeking zoning permits for 100-to-200 acres in mid-October. The remainder will require permits from the county.
Because the project is within 1.5 miles of Monee’s boundaries, officials there can file objections, if they have any, through Will County.
Construction will be divided into two segments, with the Crete portion slated to begin in early 2026.
“The facility will produce enough energy annually to power 40,000 Illinois households,” Scott noted.
A second, similar facility is being planned near the Village of Manhattan for almost 5,000 acres.
Scott said a site plan will be on display at pre-permitting open houses to be scheduled.
The 2022 start-up firm has pledged “environmental and site diligence” to protect wetlands, natural habitats, archaeologically, and historically sensitive areas.
They also will “avoid, reroute or repair” drain tiles in those acres to maintain proper drainage. At the same time, Earthrise is “voluntarily devising a landscaping plan to address viewsheds concerns (and) trees will be non-invasive native species.”
Earthrise will draft a Community Benefit Agreement that includes a one-time payment of $100,000 to the village that can be used toward creating a new Animal Control Agency to help ensure property handling and coordination of stray animals.
The company announced recently it has officially surpassed $1 million in community grants and scholarships, including a $50,000 donation to be used to add a large shade structure to the patio outside Monee Reservoir’s visitor center and a $32,974 grant to the Manhattan Fire Protection District to fund the purchase of 10 sets of dual-certified brush and auto extrication gear.