By: Anna Weitz, Clean Energy Engineer

The NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) is hosting a series of community meetings across North and South Carolina to engage local stakeholders on the topic of large-scale solar and wind energy development. These meetings are part of the Carolinas Renewable Energy Development Assistance and Siting Hub (C-DASH) project, which is funded by the Department of Energy. The goal of the initiative is to provide resources and guidance for the siting and permitting of renewable energy projects in the region.

These meetings are typically held in the evenings, starting at 6 p.m. and concluding at 7:15 p.m., in locations like local libraries, community centers, Cooperative Extension offices, or county administration buildings. Local residents and government officials are encouraged to attend. Attendees will be welcomed with light snacks and refreshments.

During the meeting, the NCCETC team will provide an overview of the C-DASH project. Depending on the type of development in the area, the team will offer a brief introduction to large-scale solar and/or wind energy. Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions related to development, siting, projects in their area, and any other inquiries. The NCCETC team is also typically joined by one or more project partners, such as the NC Cooperative Extension, Southeastern Wind Coalition, Center for Energy Education, and the South Carolina Energy Office, who will lend their expertise to further assist in answering questions.

By the end of the meeting, participants will have a clearer understanding of the renewable energy developments in their county and will be aware of additional resources and information that can be accessed through the C-DASH project website.

Past meetings have sparked discussions on a wide range of topics, including health and safety matters, the development process, decommissioning, battery storage, transmission, impacts on land and wildlife, and potential positive outcomes for the local community. These conversations not only help participants get the answers they need, but also provide valuable insight for the NCCETC team. The feedback collected during these meetings will be used to create or update fact-based resources, develop educational sessions that will offer a deeper dive into development-related topics that communities expressed the most interest in, and offer technical assistance for local governments and individuals.

The following meetings will be held next month:

• March 6, 2025 | Granville County, Oxford, NC
• March 13, 2025 | Marion County, Marion, SC
• March 20, 2025 | Scotland County, Laurinburg, NC
• March 27, 2025 | Georgetown County, Georgetown, SC

If you’re interested in attending, please RSVP through this Google Form or email Anna Weitz at akweitz@ncsu.edu.