EDF to build solar farm near Lawton

EDF Renewables, the owner and operator of wind farms in Oklahoma is bringing its solar power operations to the state.

The company was the recent winning bidder at a public auction for 4,350 acres of land owned by the Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office. The land is located southeast of the city of Lawton and EDF Renewables will build a 250-megawatt solar farm with the capability of producing power for 100,000 homes.

EDF indicated it will use at least 2,500 acres for the solar energy production and return the remainder of the land to the Land Commissioners.

The Land Office expects to eventually receive $1.2 million a year once the solar farm is operational.  The state had received only about $88,000 a year from agricultural purposes.

“This project is a win for all Oklahomans,” said Gov. Kevin Stitt who chairs the Land Commission. “It will bring valuable jobs and economic development benefits to Comanche County and the substantial gain in rental income will benefit students in public schools across the state.”

It’s expected the project will take five years for development.