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

Martinsville School Graphic.2

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Martinsville C.U.S.D. #C-3 Board of Education for February 23, 2026

Martinsville C.U.S.D. #C-3 Board of Education Meeting | February 23, 2026 The Martinsville Community Unit School District #C-3 Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, February 23, 2026....
Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents

Some blame taxes as Illinois grows on paper but loses residents

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois' population has continued to narrowly grow this year, despite a significant number of cities in the...
Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms

Illinois quick hits: Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment; Reparations class action suit to proceed; Disaster declaration approved for August 2025 storms

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cannabis company sued for alleged sexual harassment The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says a cannabis company subjected female workers at...
Clark County Graphic.4

Clark County Approves Highway Engineering Agreements, Discusses Infrastructure Upgrades

Clark County Board Meeting | February 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Clark County Highway Department received approval for a $20,562 engineering agreement to support a shoulder-paving project near Westfield, alongside...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Helm’s Two-Way Masterpiece Leads Champaign Central Past Casey-Westfield 3-0

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team ran into a buzzsaw on Saturday afternoon, falling 3-0 to Champaign Central in neutral-site tournament action. The contest was defined by a spectacular two-way performance...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Champaign Central’s Early Surge Stuns Casey-Westfield in 3-0 Shutout

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Champaign Central in a neutral-site tournament game on Saturday. A three-run opening inning by the visitors proved...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Casey-Westfield Powers Past Farina South Central 11-4 in Tournament Play

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team showcased a relentless offensive attack on Saturday, racking up 14 hits to defeat Farina South Central 11-4 in home tournament action. The hosts used a...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield School Board for March 16, 2026

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | March 16, 2026 The Casey-Westfield School Board convened for its regular session on Monday, March 16, 2026, addressing several key personnel and operational items. Alongside...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Sullivan Holds Off Late Casey-Westfield Rally to Secure 5-4 Victory

The Sullivan varsity baseball team built a comfortable early lead and withstood a late-inning surge to edge out non-conference visitor Casey-Westfield 5-4 on Saturday afternoon. After commanding the first five...
Clark County Graphic.6

Darin Patrick Appointed to Clark County Board Following Passing of Jim Bolin

Clark County Board Meeting | February 20, 2026 Article Summary: Darin Patrick was officially sworn in to represent District 3 on the Clark County Board, filling a vacancy left by...
Casey Westfield Track and Field Graphic

Casey-Westfield Track Teams Sweep Titles with Dominant Showings at Stewardson-Strasburg

The Casey-Westfield track and field program put on a masterclass of consistency on Thursday, March 26, 2026, as both the boys' and girls' teams marched to commanding first-place finishes at...
Martinsville School Board Graphic.4

Martinsville School Board Approves Sweeping ‘Press Plus’ Policy Revisions, Seeks Lawn Care Bids

Martinsville C.U.S.D. #C-3 Board of Education Meeting | February 23, 2026 Article Summary: Dozens of district policies were formally updated by the Martinsville Board of Education on Monday, overhauling local...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Casey-Westfield Explodes for Seven Runs in Sixth Inning to Defeat Waltonville 8-2

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team orchestrated a decisive late-game rally on Thursday, erupting for seven runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to secure an 8-2 home victory over...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Teutopolis Cruises Past Casey-Westfield 10-0 Behind Massive Second Inning

The Teutopolis varsity baseball team continued its dominant start to the 2026 season on Thursday afternoon, cruising to a 10-0 non-conference victory over visiting Casey-Westfield in a five-inning contest. Backed...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

High School Career and Technical Students Earn Industry Certifications, Cater Regional Tournament

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: Casey-Westfield High School's Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) and Industrial Arts students are translating classroom lessons into real-world professional credentials...