Solar farm proposal on Fort Hall Reservation subject of LUPC Public Hearing November 14
Project collaboration between Navajo Power & SBT Energy Resources
Proposed land site in the Gibson District between US Hwy 91 and Interstate 15 on the Fort Hall Reservation. (Submitted map/graphic)
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Land Use Policy Commission is conducting a public hearing November 14 at 5 p.m. in the Tribal Council Chambers concerning a special use permit Navajo Power is proposing for a renewable solar energy project.
Alana Edmo, Tribal Energy Resource manager, said it’s a proposed demonstration concept being explored in collaboration with Navajo Power, a Native-owned company. “The intent of this early-stage effort is to assess whether a tribally-led project could be technically and financially viable.”
She said they’re currently in the site assessment phase that means there are still many variables that could influence whether the project moves forward.
The proposed site is 704 acres of previously disturbed land from the Tribes between Interstate 15 and Highway 91 for 40 years to develop a 100 MW large-scale solar energy and storage facility.
Edmo said the Tribes have not yet determined whether they support development at the proposed site and the meeting is part of the process to share information and gather community feedback. Before any further steps can be taken, Navajo Power must apply for a special use permit lease to study the site in greater detail for interconnection purposes. “Because this type of lease has not been done before, it requires a public process ensuring community members have the opportunity to learn about the proposal, ask questions and express their views.”
She said ultimately, if the community does not support the project, the Tribes will not proceed with pursuing the lease, shared ownership discussions or funding applications.
In addition, Edmo explained a nuclear feasibility study that is an exploratory study. She said the Energy Resources Program regularly applies for federal grants to evaluate various types of energy technologies that could support the Tribes long-term energy needs and energy independence.
The current feasibility study (evaluate advanced nuclear technologies, particularly Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors) is funded through the Idaho Advance Energy Consortium. It is focused on understanding whether such a technology could ever be safe, sustainable, and consistent with the Tribes community values. She said once the study is complete, its findings will be presented to the Fort Hall Business Council for review and direction on any next possible steps.
Edmo said the studies help them determine what options best align with, “our values of cultural integrity, environmental stewardship and economic benefit.”
