Catalyst Energy withdraws application to develop Wolf Hills Solar project, revised request could be submitted

ABINGDON, Va. (WJHL) — Catalyst Energy has withdrawn its application for a Special Exception Permit (SEP) to Washington County, Virginia to develop a solar farm in the county.

It comes one week after the county’s planning commission denied the permit request following hours of public comment.

The 1,800 to 2,200-acre solar energy project had been in discussion for months, with area residents gathering at several meetings to discuss their opposition to or desire for the project’s approval.

According to a news release on Tuesday, Catalyst Energy notified the county about the withdrawal, but indicated it may apply for a new request with a reduced solar footprint. “A new SEP would begin the process again and first return to the Planning Commission for consideration,” the release states.

The withdrawn SEP application was removed from the Washington County, Virginia Board of Supervisors’ agenda for July 9 and will not be discussed, the release said.

Catalyst Energy provided News Channel 11 with the following statement:

Catalyst is currently evaluating next steps for the Wolf Hills Solar Project. Yes, we may reapply for a new request, what that will look like is to be determined.

Catalyst Energy Partners

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