COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — Northeastern REMC is proud to announce that construction is officially underway for the Quarry Solar Project, located on 40 acres of industrial-zoned land at 100 South and US 30 in Whitley County. Slated for completion by late spring 2025, the project is designed to generate 6,521 kW of DC power, providing reliable, local energy to the cooperative's members while offsetting rising capacity and transmission costs. 

The Quarry Solar Project is named in recognition of its unique location—a former rock quarry—reflecting its thoughtful reuse of industrial land for energy production. By transforming this site into a source of local energy, NREMC continues its mission to stabilize power costs and maintain affordable electricity rates for its members. Power generated will stay local, directly supplying the grid in Whitley County, reducing reliance on external power markets, and diversifying NREMC’s power supply portfolio. 

To help members and the community learn more about the project, NREMC is hosting an informational meeting on December 19, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. at the NREMC headquarters, located at 4901 E Park 30 Drive, Columbia City. This session will provide insights into the Quarry Solar Project, including its benefits for members, local farmers, and the Whitley County community. 

Key Highlights of the Quarry Solar Project: 

Agrivoltaics Program Supporting Local Farmers: 

The Quarry Solar Project integrates solar power generation with agricultural opportunities for Whitley County farmers, including: 

• Grazing sheep under the solar panels to maintain the land and naturally enrich soil quality. 
• Establishing pollinator habitats that enhance crop health and productivity. 
• Offering shaded environments under solar panels to reduce plant stress and stabilize yields. 

Industrial Land Use: 

• Thoughtfully sited on 40 acres of industrial-zoned land, the project avoids disrupting prime farmland while maximizing land use for energy production. 

Local Benefits: 

• 100% of the power generated will stay within the NREMC service area. 
• The project stabilizes energy costs, ensuring future rate increases remain lower than they would be without this solar site. 
• The Quarry Solar Project builds on the success of the Hatch Road Solar Project, operational since 2023, and represents the next phase in Northeastern REMC’s strategy to meet members' energy needs while addressing the challenges of a changing energy market. 

For more information about the Quarry Solar Project and the informational meeting, visit www.nremc.com/quarry.