Archer Residents and Origis Energy Reach Agreement for Sand Bluff Solar Project in Alachua County
ALACHUA COUNTY, Florida – June 6, 2022 – Today, community leaders from Archer’s Historic African-American community and Origis Energy stood together to announce an agreement for the Sand Bluff Solar Project to move forward. Acknowledging the community’s heritage and addressing the concerns expressed by adjoining property owners and Archer’s Historic African-American Community, Origis Energy will withdraw its original application and relaunch the project in a different location.
“We are proud to say that after months of listening to and working with the community behind the scenes, we have found a solution and are proud to have earned a partner in our goal to produce clean, renewable solar energy in Alachua County,” said Johan Vanhee, Chief Commercial and Procurement Officer for Origis Energy.
“In response to last year’s events, we are redoubling our efforts to live up to our high standards for community engagement, while we work to preserve and protect every local community we partner with. We’re really pleased we have a chance to move forward with the project and to continue our work with the community on a win-win solution that will bring affordable and reliable clean renewable energy to Alachua County. Rest assured that moving forward, we are here to actively engage and communicate with the community as we relaunch this project,” Vanhee continued.
Archer resident Jeraldine McMillan stated, “This Agreement preserves the character and nature of our historic, rural African-American community while embracing solar development in a more compatible location. Our community is happy with the outcome, and I would specifically like to thank our pro bono attorney, Nathan Skop, for helping us protect our community.”