Marion County residents learned this week that a planned 2,000-acre solar farm south of Avinger, a $200 million project by Pathway Power, is not connected to any data centers, addressing a primary community concern. Pathway Power, the company developing the project, held community meet-and-greet events on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Kellyville Community Center to share details and answer questions from local residents.
Pathway Power representatives directly addressed fears about the solar farm being a precursor to a data center, or linked to one in Blanchard, Louisiana, stating unequivocally that there is no connection. Resident Jean Noe noted that company officials insisted they have "zero to do with any data centers" and have never partnered with or built solar for data centers. Shar Parr, who lives near Lake O’ the Pines, also recounted that Pathway Power’s CEO stated, "No, absolutely not," regarding a data center connection.
Concerns about water resources were also addressed. Pathway Power’s CEO informed Shar Parr that the solar farm's battery storage system would use an evaporative cooling system described as closed, requiring significantly less water than traditional open-loop systems. The company also plans to implement catchment rows to manage siltation or runoff during heavy rainfall and reseed the area, particularly given the proximity of Johnson Creek Reservoir to Lake O’ the Pines.
Safety concerns regarding the battery system were raised by Avinger’s assistant fire chief, Jimmie Alford, who was told local fire departments should not engage a fire in such a system. Hunter Bonner, chair of the Marion County Republican Party, also spoke with an expert who informed him that fire containment technology has advanced. Project renderings showed the solar arrays would be in different areas, not one continuous field.
Pathway Power, through its managing partner and founder Jam Attari, emphasized its commitment to community engagement and addressing impacts like road disruptions during construction. The project is expected to generate approximately $13 million in sales and use tax during construction and nearly $58 million in property taxes over its 35-year lifespan, with a focus on using local labor and contractors.
Pathway Power is seeking a tax abatement from Marion County. Hunter Bonner urged that the project's engineering plans, currently about 30% complete, should be reviewed by Marion County commissioners before any abatement hearing takes place. Construction is expected to start next year, with the solar farm slated for operation in late 2028. The tax abatement process will include public hearings and a vote by the Commissioners Court.
