Solar Development Impact

As part of the expansive Pronghorn H2 energy initiative, a large-scale solar farm is proposed near the North Platte River east of Glenrock, Wyoming. While often promoted as a clean and sustainable power source, the solar component of this project brings with it a host of environmental, visual, and community-related challenges that deserve thorough public scrutiny.  

The solar portion of the Pronghorn H2 Project is far from benign. It poses real risks to the environment, disrupts natural beauty, threatens water sustainability, and disrespects the cultural legacy of the area. While solar energy can play a key role in transitioning to cleaner power, it must be done thoughtfully, transparently, and with respect for the communities and ecosystems it affects. 

The proposed location for the solar farm lies directly within a migratory path for multiple bird species and is home to a diverse array of native flora and fauna. This sensitive ecosystem includes fish populations, waterfowl, and other species that depend on uninterrupted habitat near the river.

Installing a utility-scale solar farm in this location would mean clearing large tracts of land, altering the soil and hydrology, and creating an artificial environment inhospitable to many species. Once constructed, these installations become permanent fixtures in the landscape, removing the possibility of natural habitat recovery.

While solar panels themselves do not require water to produce electricity, their installation, maintenance, and cooling systems do. When combined with the hydrogen refinery — which draws massive water volumes — the project’s total water impact grows significantly.

Water used to clean solar panels or cool associated infrastructure can contribute to cumulative regional water stress, especially in an already arid region. If chemical cleaning agents are used or runoff isn’t properly managed, the potential exists for further contamination of nearby ecosystems and water tables.

The supporting infrastructure of the solar facility — including inverters, switchgear, and maintenance operations — introduces industrial noise that can affect both human residents and wildlife. Construction and ongoing maintenance activities will result in constant disruption, while bright perimeter lighting, safety beacons, and internal facility illumination will pollute what is currently a naturally dark night sky.

Light pollution doesn’t just interfere with stargazing. It can disorient nocturnal animals, alter plant growth cycles, and affect human health by disrupting natural circadian rhythms.

The land adjacent to the North Platte River is not just environmentally rich — it’s culturally significant. It includes historic trails, burial sites, and other areas tied to Wyoming’s heritage. The development of a massive solar farm in such a location represents a direct threat to the preservation of cultural and historical landmarks that define the region’s identity.