The 48-MW Great Bend Solar project, located along the picturesque banks of the Ohio River in Meigs County, Ohio, officially commenced commercial operation earlier this month, marking a key milestone in Midwest renewable energy development.

Doral Renewables, a large utility-scale solar and battery storage developer in the United States, developed and owns the project, which began commercial operations on January 6, 2026, under the conditions of a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).

Located on the Ohio River's "Great Bend," close to the West Virginia border, the location was chosen due to its abundant solar resources, accessible land, and close proximity to the transmission infrastructure already in place. More than 9,000 American houses' worth of energy needs are expected to be met by the solar farm, which will supply clean, dependable power to the local grid.

Great Bend Solar is expected to generate more than $400,000 in additional tax income for Meigs County each year in addition to producing renewable energy. Schools, emergency services, and infrastructure upgrades are among the vital local services that are anticipated to be supported by those funds.

Amit Nadkarni, Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Doral Renewables, stated, "We're focused on delivering projects that not only help decarbonize the grid but also create tangible benefits for the communities where we operate." "Great Bend Solar is an example of what is possible when partners, local stakeholders, and energy developers collaborate."

Great Bend Solar demonstrates how clean energy growth can supplement the area's conventional electricity infrastructure by adding to the increasing number of utility-scale solar systems in Ohio and the larger Ohio River Valley. In addition to lowering carbon emissions, solar projects like this one are creating new sources of income and employment opportunities in small towns and rural areas.

The Great Bend Solar project's success could serve as a template for future partnerships between developers, communities, and energy partners looking to quicken the clean energy transition as renewable energy continues to grow throughout the United States.