CASPER, WY — In a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission approved a revised plan for the long‑delayed Dinosolar solar farm and battery storage facility located west of Bar Nunn. The commission’s recommendation moves the project’s construction deadline to March 3, 2029 and reduces the site’s footprint from 3,591 acres to 2,396 acres, eliminating a second construction phase.
Why the change matters for the community
NextEra Energy Resources project director Glenn Shober explained that building the project in a single phase is “better from a development standpoint” and will make Dinosolar more competitive for commercial power agreements. The streamlined layout also aligns with an updated state Industrial Siting Permit granted in April, ensuring the project meets current market conditions and rising utility interconnection costs.
Since acquiring Dinosolar LLC in 2023, NextEra has invested $2 billion in Wyoming and now operates six energy centers across the state, making it the fourth‑largest non‑mineral taxpayer in Wyoming. Shober projected that the solar farm will generate roughly $4.6 million in property taxes during its first full year of operation and produce $21.6 million in state and local sales and use taxes while under construction.
Impact on local services and infrastructure
The Natrona County Fire Protection District (NCFD) has faced financial strain while awaiting the project’s start. The district recently replaced aging fire equipment, planning to fund the upgrade through the increased tax revenues the solar farm is expected to generate. Until Dinosolar breaks ground, the NCFD remains responsible for its operating expenses, and the district has twice this year asked the county for interim funding.
Commissioners also raised concerns about the condition of access roads on Melodi Lane and Renauna Avenue, which connect to Salt Creek Highway. County staff noted that Condition 4 of the original permit requires the developer to improve, maintain, and later restore these roads to county standards. Shober confirmed that NextEra has budgeted for the necessary road work and will cover the associated costs.
Next steps
Planning technician Madeline Pennington presented the staff report for Conditional Use Permit 26‑05, recommending a “do‑pass” referral to the County Commissioners. No members of the public voiced opposition during the hearing. The Natrona County Board of Commissioners will hold a final public hearing on the proposal on November 3.
The revised Dinosolar project promises to bring clean energy, significant tax revenue, and infrastructure improvements to the region while respecting local concerns about land use and road conditions. By adapting the plan to current market realities, the developers and county officials aim to move the project forward responsibly and efficiently.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
