Clark County Board Hears Proposals for 10,000-Acre Wind Farm, Community Solar Projects
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.
Latest News Stories
U.S. military jet goes down over Iraq; incident not attributed to hostile fire
Casey-Westfield Explodes for 12 Runs in Third Inning, Downs Neoga 17-5
Pritzker: ‘God was looking out for people’ in storm-damaged Kankakee County
Illinois Quick Hits: Correctional officer charged with sexual misconduct
Costco faces lawsuit as consumers seek refunds from invalid tariffs
Insurer won’t back Gori defense vs asbestos lawsuit fraud claims
With teachers union support, committee approves charter school mandates
Allstate can’t delete class action over alleged secret app tracking
Chicago voters view housing affordability as bigger issue than crime
New Illinois gun bill aims at glock switches; critics say it misses the real problem
Illinois quick hits: Cook County spends nearly $20 million on food, housing services; Chicago Teachers Union tells teachers, students to skip school; Russell Dickerson to play Du Quoin State Fair
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Casey-Westfield School Board for Feb. 23, 2026