FAIRVIEW, Mont. (KUMV) – Can solar power operate in northeast Montana? It’s a challenge that could be tested by Stellar Renewable Power, which wants to build a 585-acre, 74.5-megawatt facility.
The site is located about two miles west of Fairview along Highway 201. During a packed town hall meeting, officials say the area was chosen for the growing need of power in the region.
“There’s not as much power able to flow, and there’s actually a lot of load growth happening in North Dakota due to crypto-mining and data centers,” said Liam Gildea, Stellar Senior manager.
Those who attended the meeting questioned Stellar on several issues, such as how solar panels would affect the nearby temperature for residents and livestock, and how they would respond if a fire were to happen due to the panels.
“How are you going to stop that fire from spreading from those of us in the middle?” asked Wendy Sundheim.
“Would you rather look at trees, grass and wildlife out your window, or do you want to look at a solar panel?” said Wendy Johnson.
Still in the early stages, the officials did not have many answers, instead telling the residents to file comments as federal agencies prepare their environmental assessment of the project. Whether or not the project can proceed will come down to that report; a draft is scheduled to be released sometime next year.
Stellar’s timeline estimates construction to start in March 2026 and for it to be operational by the end of that year.
More information on the project and how to provide comments can be found here.
The comment period is open through Aug. 10.
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