Project Brings Local Jobs, Training, and $1.8 Million in Annual Tax Revenue
HIGHLAND COUNTY, OH – [January 7, 2026] – Leadership from three local labor unions, The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 575, the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 83, and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 18, are celebrating the official start of construction on the Palomino Solar Energy Project in Highland County. The 200 MWAC facility marks a major win for skilled labor and local community investment, bringing hundreds of good-paying jobs, world-class apprenticeship and training opportunities, and approximately $1.8 million in annual property tax revenue to the county.
The three trades worked together with project developer Innergex Renewable Energy to ensure Palomino is built under the highest labor standards, prioritizing local hiring, safety, and investment in the workforce. Once complete, the project will generate enough clean energy to power more than 40,000 Ohio homes.
“The groundbreaking is the culmination of years of work. We’re not just planning a project, but fighting to keep these jobs local and supporting families right here in Highland County,” said James McGraw, business manager of LiUNA Local 83. “This project gives our Laborers an opportunity to head into work today, building the foundation for Ohio’s energy future, while earning the wages and benefits they deserve. We’re proud to put our members’ expertise to work.”
“IBEW members are uniquely trained for the highly specialized, high‑tech work required to build a utility‑scale solar facility like Palomino,” said Joe Dillow, business manager of IBEW Local 575. “This project secures at least a year of work for our members and provides critical on‑the‑job training in the energy sector. We’re not just building a project, we’re building a career pipeline for the next generation of Ohio’s electricians.”
“Projects of this scale require the best equipment operators and the safest standards, which is exactly what our members at IUOE Local 18 deliver,” added Kip Siesel, business representative for IUOE Local 18. “This project is moving forward because our three unions came together with the best expertise to get the job done right. We are proud to support this project for our members and for the economic health of the entire region.”
In addition to job creation, Palomino is expected to generate an estimated $1.8 million in property taxes annually for Highland County, directly benefiting local townships and school districts. Every phase of the project, from site preparation and civil work to electrical installation and interconnection, will be handled by highly skilled, safety‑certified union workers.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar work to date has created over 8,000 jobs in the state, generating enough energy to power 769,555 homes. The Ohio renewable energy industry is expected to continue growing, with solar power generation expected to more than double in the next five years.
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About IBEW Local 575
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 575 is a local chapter of a globally respected union representing skilled electricians and professionals in the electrical industry. Based in Portsmouth, Local 575 serves the Southern Ohio region, providing elite training through its Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) and ensuring safe, high-quality electrical installations for commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Learn more at our website, ibew575.org.
About IUOE Local 18
The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 18 represents over 15,000 members across Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Local 18 is comprised of highly trained Heavy Equipment Operators, Stationary Engineers, and mechanical professionals who build and maintain the region’s essential infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings. The union focuses on securing fair wages, comprehensive benefits, and state-of-the-art training for its workforce. Visit oe18.org to learn more.
About LiUNA Local 83
Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 83 is a Portsmouth-based affiliate of the powerful energy and construction union dedicated to building stronger communities. Local 83 represents a skilled workforce of construction craft laborers who work on diverse infrastructure, energy, and heavy highway projects throughout Southern Ohio. The Local advocates for worker safety, collective bargaining rights, and career development. Visit liuna.org to learn more.