A solar project will soon take up part of Astra Enterprise Park, formerly the Sunflower Ammunition Plant. 

The De Soto City Council approved a zoning regulation Thursday that would allow the construction of a utility scale solar facility on the southern portion of the park, according to a news release. 

De Soto City Administrator Mike Brungardt called the project “a significant green energy boost.” 

The facility will take up to 3,000 acres and will have the potential to generate 600 to 800 megawatts. The site would be the largest solar project in the state and one of the largest in the country. 

“We need additional power sources in this area and this ordinance will allow for an affordable, renewable energy source in a way that will have minimal impact on residents,” Brad Weisenburger, De Soto community development director, said in a statement.

The project will span from 119th Street to 143rd Street and from Stringtown Road to Evening Star Road, to allow for minimal impact on residents in the area. 

 The Planning Commission spent nine months drafting its recommendations. The final ordinance includes requirements for developers on a range of factors, including visual, glare, environmental and noise impact as well as traffic and construction management plans and fire and light safety, the news release said. 

This development follows long-term preparation for the Panasonic plant, a battery factory which will also be part of Astra. Construction began on the plant in November 2022. Since then, officials like Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg have visited the plant.  

The plant is set to open in March 2025 and is estimated to bring about 4,000 jobs to the area. 

Reach reporter Abby Shepherd at [email protected]