K-Junction Solar

The K-Junction Solar Project is a proposed solar project west of McCool Junction in York County, Nebraska. If constructed, the facility would provide approximately 310 megawatts of low-cost solar power to Nebraskans. This would expand the ability to keep energy rates affordable, enhance reliability, and increase grid resiliency.

As a public power utility, OPPD actively responds to the growing energy needs of our customers, and we’re always looking for better ways to serve our communities and stakeholders. OPPD welcomes conversations with the community while we conduct a technical analysis to determine alignment with our mission of providing affordable and reliable energy to our customers.

This project’s earliest anticipated commercial operating date would be in 2027. Nebraska is the only state in the nation served solely by publicly owned utilities. OPPD values the partnership with Perennial Public Power District to continue serving York County customers. We would collaborate with Nebraska Public Power District and others to deliver power to the energy grid.

Power for approximately 59,000 average homes	Local impact of $160+ million in net economic benefits	Employment opportunities during construction, operation and maintenance

York County can bring in $53.7 million in economic benefit to local businesses.

York County can create business opportunities that will bring in millions of dollars for roads, schools, and first responders by supporting reasonable regulations for safe solar development.

A recently commissioned economic study shows that the project would bring in:

• $15.5 million net economic impact annually through the life of the project
• $185 million net total impact during construction, $53.7 million of which goes directly to local businesses

The proposed project scope of 310 megawatts would generate annual revenue to eight taxing authorities within York County, the largest payments are estimated to be:

• Over $200,000 annually to the York County General Fund
• Over $775,000 annually to the McCool Junction School District

Protect private property rights

According to a local survey, nearly 90% of York County residents believe landowners have the right to allow solar development on their land.

York County residents do not believe it is the responsibility of the local government to decide what landowners can do with their property.

Common Misconceptions

• The OPPD Board of Directors has committed to transfer the project to a private developer to ensure the statutory tax dollars benefit York County.
• Reasonable regulations protect neighbors with visual screening requirements, like trees, bushes, or fencing.
• Road-use agreements ensure protection of public infrastructure and hold developers responsible for repairing any property damage that may occur during construction.
• Solar is a cost-effective way to generate energy and utility-scale solar projects have the same noise levels of normal conversation or hens clucking up to 100 feet away from the inverter.
• Utility-scale solar projects do not affect temperatures next to the perimeter, according to research.

Current Project Status

York County Commissioners are considering new zoning regulations related to utility-backed solar projects. The county hired an outside consultant, Marvin Planning Consultants, to examine this economic opportunity and provide advice on the best course of action. These expert recommendations, along with input from neighbors and business owners, were shared with the York County Planning Commission, and their final recommendation was given to the Board of Commissioners for final review.

If the Board of Commissioners approves this recommendation, York County will have a public hearing. The current proposal, which has been thoroughly reviewed by several York County officials, provides a fair and reasonable compromise. It balances the strong values of landowners’ rights to create new opportunities for income, while also protecting them with solid regulations.

This page will be updated with additional information and opportunities to get involved as they become available.