Company restarts effort for Situla solar energy project with listening forum

Following the unsuccessful attempt to gain approval for a utility-scale solar energy project in Scotts Bluff County last year, representatives of Dunlieh Energy have restarted the process.

With new zoning regulations passed last year spelling out much of the process and requirements, Thayer Flieh and other Dunlieh officials took part in a listening forum Wednesday evening at the Legacy of the Plains Museum.

Prior to breakout sessions where different aspects of the Situla solar project were discussed, with questions by attendees answered, Flieh explained the reason for the forum was to get feedback from the community .

“I want to be honest and admit that the first time around, we didn’t have the opportunity to talk to the community, and we didn’t have enough information out. And so this is us learning from that mistake that we made. And we’re here to listen, and we’re here to know what are the issues that you may be thinking and about so we can address these issues in the future,” said Flieh. “This is an important process. This is not us making decisions. You know, this is us really listening for the feedback from the community, from the commissioners, and to be able to go back and to address all of these concerns.”

According to the presentations, most project components remain as they were during the first application for a conditional use permit, with over 600,000 panels producing about 400 megawatts of power, a battery energy storage system on site, and connection to the Western Area Power Administration transmission line that bisects the 18 parcels that are part of the project.

However, there are some notable changes, with company officials wanting to reinforce a county gravel road off Highway 88 (CR 9 in Banner County, which becomes CR 5 in Scotts Bluff County) for use during the construction phase instead of using Stegall Road. There have also been numerous discussions already with elected officials, county agencies, area fire departments and others that could play a role or be impacted.

It was unclear when a new CUP application would be filed, but the company has a goal of starting construction by the end of 2026.