Clark County Board Hears Proposals for 10,000-Acre Wind Farm, Community Solar Projects

Spread the love

Clark County Board Meeting | February 20, 2026

Article Summary: The Clark County Board received comprehensive updates on the county’s expanding renewable energy landscape, highlighted by a proposal from Repsol Renewables for a massive 10,000-acre wind farm project southeast of Martinsville.

Clark County Board Key Points:

  • Repsol Renewables is exploring the installation of 40 wind turbines southeast of Martinsville.

  • The developer intends to install a testing tower to measure wind speeds before beginning full-scale construction.

  • A community solar project by Pure Sky near Marshall is slated to submit its Special Use Permit in March, with construction potentially starting by mid-to-late summer.

  • Renewable energy representative Andrew Keyt is working on ordinance changes before a public hearing is scheduled for a separate Green Key solar project at Bass Lake.

The Clark County Board on Friday, February 20, 2026, held extensive discussions regarding the future of renewable energy in the region, hearing a pitch for a 40-turbine wind farm and receiving updates on two separate community solar initiatives.

During the new business portion of the meeting, Christopher Cooper, a project developer with Repsol Renewables, informed the board of a potential wind project planned along Angling Road, southeast of Martinsville. Cooper explained that Repsol, which originally started in the oil and gas industry, has expanded into the renewable energy sector in recent years.

The developer’s current goal is to secure leases for approximately 10,000 acres of land. According to the board minutes, the vast acreage would accommodate 40 wind turbines while still allowing the remaining land to be actively farmed. Repsol has already signed leases with several local landowners.

Before any construction begins, Repsol plans to install a preliminary tower to test wind speeds in the designated area. Cooper also assured the board that a formal study would be submitted to U.S. Wildlife Services to evaluate the project’s potential impact on bird migration and mating seasons.

The board also discussed ongoing developments regarding community solar installations. Don Solarz, a resident at Bass Lake, addressed the board during public comments to inquire about a pending public hearing for a community solar project with Green Key.

Chairman Rex Goble responded that Andrew Keyt, who represents Clark County on renewable ordinances, was finalizing necessary ordinance changes before scheduling the hearing. Goble noted that citizens would be notified via the county website and a public service announcement on the local radio station.

Later in the meeting, Chairman Goble provided an update on a separate solar project led by Pure Sky. The development is planned for the edge of Marshall, south of Sycamore Street. According to Goble, Pure Sky plans to submit its Special Use Permit in March, with an estimated construction start date targeted for mid-to-late summer.

Following the updates, Board Member Susan Guinnip asked if the board needed to be the “squeaky wheel” with state legislators regarding potential upcoming bills that could impact local renewable energy regulations.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

City Council 9.16.25.2

Casey Hires Hometown Engineer Ryan Staley as New Director of Public Works

Article Summary: The Casey City Council has officially appointed Casey native and civil engineer Ryan Staley as the city's new Director of Public Works, positioning him to take over for...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey Township Library Board of Trustees for August 7, 2025

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | August 7, 2025 The Casey Township Library Board took another step toward replacing its failed air conditioner on Thursday, August 7, 2025,...
WATCH: Illinois prison mail scanning rule faces lawmaker scrutiny

WATCH: Illinois prison mail scanning rule faces lawmaker scrutiny

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Emergency rules from the Illinois Department of Corrections to scan inmate mail are under review by...
Illinois quick hits: Edgar funeral details released; O'Hare measles exposure warning

Illinois quick hits: Edgar funeral details released; O’Hare measles exposure warning

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Edgar funeral details released Funeral services have been announced for former Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar. The public can pay last respects...
WATCH: Leading IL House Republican urges Pritzker to address SNAP errors

WATCH: Leading IL House Republican urges Pritzker to address SNAP errors

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The leading Republican in the Illinois House is raising the alarm that Illinois taxpayers are on the...
WATCH: Pritzker criticizes Trump as feds make arrests in immigration enforcement blitz

WATCH: Pritzker criticizes Trump as feds make arrests in immigration enforcement blitz

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker is questioning President Donald Trump’s health as federal authorities arrive in Illinois to ramp...
WATCH: Freedom Caucus files Pritzker impeachment; Trump says Chicago is next

WATCH: Freedom Caucus files Pritzker impeachment; Trump says Chicago is next

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares the latest...
City Council 9.16.25.1

Casey Faces $1.1 Million Utility Deficit Amid Population Decline, Rate Hikes Likely

Article Summary: Mayor Mike Nichols revealed the City of Casey's utility departments operated at a nearly $1.1 million loss last fiscal year, a financial crisis driven by a significant population...
IL legislator: New public defender law adds costs, takes away local control

IL legislator: New public defender law adds costs, takes away local control

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A new Illinois law creates a statewide office to address public defender staffing gaps, but critics...
Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz arrests announced; call for veterans tributes

Illinois quick hits: Midway Blitz arrests announced; call for veterans tributes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Midway Blitz arrests announced According to the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have arrested several dangerous...
Casey Library.3

Casey Library Renews $90,000 CD at 4.15%, Reports on Financial Health

Casey Township Library Board of Trustees Meeting | August 7, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board of Trustees received a positive financial update, including the renewal of a...
Casey Lions Club

Patsy Phillips Wins annual Lions Club Raffle

Lions Club members Bob Dougherty and Bruce Brown present Patsy Phillips with an $18,000 check for winning the annual Lions Club Raffle. The winning ticket was drawn at the 37th...
Ryan Staley_5134

City Council Hires New Superintendent of Utilities

Ryan Staley, 2007 graduate of Casey-Westfield High School, was hired as the new Director of Public Works for the City of Casey to replace Shelby Biggs, who will retire in...
'Peacekeepers' reportedly commit Chicago crimes as Pritzker calls for more funding

‘Peacekeepers’ reportedly commit Chicago crimes as Pritzker calls for more funding

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson push for more community violence intervention funding from...
WATCH: Trump says sending National Guard to Chicago 'probably next'

WATCH: Trump says sending National Guard to Chicago ‘probably next’

By Andrew Rice | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) - President Donald Trump said Monday that Chicago is "probably next" to see the National Guard sent in...