General

New solar project helps OPPD expand, diversify its generation portfolio 

OPPD is taking another step to expand its generation portfolio with a new utility-scale solar project in Nebraska. 

The utility has entered into a power purchase agreement with Sandhills Energy for the Burt County Solar Project, a 250-megawatt (MW) solar facility in Burt County. Expected to be in service in 2029, the project will generate enough electricity to power approximately 50,000 homes. 

The project represents another step forward in OPPD’s efforts to expand and diversify its generation portfolio as demand for electricity continues to rise. OPPD anticipates load growth of approximately 100 MW annually for the foreseeable future, a significant increase from just a few years ago. 

“Reliability and affordability are at the core of every decision we make,” said Joe Lang, director of Generation Strategy. “By continuing to diversify our generation portfolio, we are building a system that can perform under a wide range of conditions and meet the needs of our customers every day.” 

Supporting reliability through diversification

As part of the Southwest Power Pool, OPPD must maintain sufficient generation capacity to meet skyrocketing customer demand, with margin to spare to account for extreme weather. 

The project strengthens OPPD’s ability to deliver reliable power by expanding the mix of available resources. Incorporating more solar generation into a broad portfolio allows OPPD to respond more effectively to seasonal demand patterns, changing system conditions, and extreme weather events. 

Sandhills Energy, a Nebraska-based renewable energy developer, has experience advancing projects across the region and works closely with landowners and communities to align projects with local priorities. OPPD and Sandhills will coordinate with Burt County officials throughout development and construction to ensure the project’s thoughtful integration into the community. 

Construction is expected to bring a significant influx of economic activity to the area. The solar facility is expected to generate more than $20 million in local tax revenue over its operational lifetime to support schools, infrastructure and other community priorities. 

“This project reflects our approach to growth through thoughtful planning, strong partnerships and a focus on long-term value,” said Lang.  

Part of a larger effort

The Burt County Solar Project builds on OPPD’s broader efforts to add new solar and other generation resources across its system. The utility anticipates the completion of the 420-MW Pierce County Energy Center in spring 2027, a solar facility developed in partnership with NextEra Energy Resources and Google. 

OPPD also receives power from the 81-MW Platteview Solar facility in Saunders County. That facility came online in 2024 and is owned and operated by the AES Corporation. 

OPPD will continue to evaluate and develop new energy resources to meet future demand while maintaining reliability and affordability. 

For more information about Sandhills Energy, visit sandhillsenergy.com.