Xcel cancels Oneida 2 solar project Xcel Energy has canceled its proposed Oneida 2 solar farm project near Amarillo amid backlash from residents in the area. Sited on private lands, the $600 million project was set to be built just outside Rolling Hills north of Amarillo and a part of several solar farms Xcel had proposed to the Texas Public Utilities Commission (TPUC). Texas counties lacked the authority to veto the project.
After a full-on revolt from homeowners and realtors, created a public relations crisis, with more than 60 complaints filed to the TPUC, the Minnesota-based Xcel backed away from the project after organizing a public forum where at least 150 residents turned out to oppose its construction. Xcel stated it would use the feedback to improve its approach to future projects.
In efforts to sooth the situation, Xcel released a statement saying, “We are grateful that so many people from the Rolling Hills neighborhood shared their concerns about this project because it gives us an opportunity to better serve our communities. Moving forward, we will ask for regulatory approval to build more generation sources to meet the needs of our growing economy, but we are taking the lessons from this project seriously.”
Rolling Hills is a rural residential area with about 300 homes sitting on plots that range from half an acre to 2 acres. The Oneida 2 project would have been located directly up against Rolling Hills occupying the land surrounding the neighborhoods southeast perimeter. Residents were concerned about the proximity to their homes, possible fires and stormwater runoff as well as a decrease in property values. Concerns were voiced directly from the head of the Amarillo’s Realtors Association.
Meanwhile, there is speculation that Amarillo may be welcoming the first AI Stargate facility, which will not only challenge electrical power, but also water availability.
Amarillo city officials are currently considering whether to finalize a key water agreement with a 5,600-acre private hypergrid project from Fermi America, a company cofounded by Rick Perry, that would provide around 11 gigawatts to help fuel AI services.