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Eldena Solar, LLCPresentation to the Lee County Zoning Board of Appeals

August 6, 2020

Presenter

Presentation Notes

Custom title slides available upon request


About Geronimo Energy

Expertise as Top U.S. Renewable Energy Company• Geronimo is a leading North American independent

developer and operator of utility-scale renewable energy projects

• We have successfully developed over 2,400 megawatts (MW) of wind and solar projects (currently in operation or under construction)

• Our experience team of ~75 professionals are experts in development, construction and operations

• The 7,000+ MW Geronimo Energy pipeline stretches across the United States, including ~3,000 MW in advanced development phases


Farmer-Friendly, Community-Driven


Development Portfolio Map


A National Grid Company

Who is National Grid?• British based multinational electricity and gas utility company

• Owns electricity transmission network in England and Wales, operates in Great Britain

• Supplies 20+ million people in the NE US with electricity and gas• Geronimo Energy is a subsidiary of National Grid’s unregulated arm,

National Grid Ventures, and is the company’s renewable energy platform

What is the value-add to customers?• Long-term Ownership Partner

• We develop, construct, own and operate our projects. • Financial Strength

• National Grid is one of the largest and strongest energy companies in the world with a fortified balance sheet.

• Competitive Renewables• Scale and access to capital create efficiencies that result in low-

cost renewable pricing.


Eldena Solar, LLCProject Specifics


Eldena Solar, LLC

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

• Will generate enough energy to power approximately 30,000 homes annually

• Tax revenue: $15.5M over 20yrs• $10M increase in tax revenue for

school districts over 20yrs• $490K increase tax revenue for

townships over 20yrs• $1.64M increase tax revenue for Lee

County over 20yrs• Does not require additional services


Eldena Solar, LLC

ECONOMIC BENEFITS


Eldena Solar, LLC

ECONOMIC BENEFITS

• Capital Investment: $180M• $21M local spending in host

communities and state• Temporary construction jobs: 160+• Full-time equivalent jobs: 3• Unique to Geronimo: utility-scale

solar projects receive Education Funds (501c3): $700K over 20 years


Eldena Solar, LLC• Site Location: South Dixon

and Nachusa Townships, Lee County

• Approximately 1,288 acres within the project area

• 984 acres of array area grass mix vegetation

• 239 acres of open area pollinator mix


Eldena Solar, LLC• Variance Request


Eldena Solar, LLC

• Variance Request• Eldena is requesting three variances to

the setback requirement for platted subdivisions.

• According to the Ordinance, the setback currently is three hundred-foot (300’) from the property line of a platted subdivision.

• Eldena requests a variance on three lots within the project area, to allow a standard setback for the SES of 15 feet (15’) side and rear yard.


Eldena Solar, LLC

• Variance Request• The platted lots in question are

zoned agricultural, and currently utilized for row crops, but are otherwise undeveloped.

• The 300’ foot set back leaves 35 acres without an access and no way to farm it on the northern portion of the property.

• Does not negatively impact the adjacent undeveloped properties

• It will not change the character of the property

• There is existing vegetation on the property which will effectively screen the property from the solar farm


Eldena Solar, LLC• AIMA Requirements—Required by IDOA

• Prior to Construction, the Facility Owner shall work with the Landowner to identify drainage tile lines traversing the property subject to the Underlying Agreement. All drainage tile lines identified in this manner shall be shown on the Construction and Deconstruction Plans.

• The location of all drainage tile lines located adjacent to or within the footprint of the Facility shall be recorded using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology.

• Within 60 days after Construction is complete, the Facility Owner shall provide the Landowner, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), and the respective County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) with "as built" drawings (strip maps) showing the location of all drainage tile lines by survey station encountered in the Construction of the Facility

• If underground drainage tile lines were present within the footprint of the facility and were severed or otherwise damaged during original Construction, facility operation, and/or facility Deconstruction, the Facility Owner shall repair existing drainage tiles or install new drainage tile lines of comparable quality and cost to the original

• The Facility Owner shall provide the County with Financial Assurance to cover the estimated costs of Deconstruction of the Facility. Provision of this Financial Assurance shall be phased in over time


Eldena Solar, LLC• Construction

• Material Routes• Road Use Agreement with County and

Townships• Construction activities will be in compliance

with the AIMA• The Facility Owner shall work with Landowners

and create and follow a SWPPP • The Facility Owner shall ensure that all

vegetation growing within the perimeter of the Facility is properly and appropriately maintained. Maintenance may include, but not be limited to, mowing, trimming, chemical control, or the use of livestock as agreed to by the Landowner.


Contact InformationBen AdamichDeveloper, Market [email protected]

Amber MillerDevelopment [email protected]

Brett SchneiderConstruction [email protected]

Jenny Monson-MillerPermitting [email protected]

Keith BolinProject [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]





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