Dennis Phillips publisher@robconews.com Robertson County News FRANKLIN — A proposed utility-scale solar energy project in northeastern Robertson County is drawing attention from local officials, residents and energy developers as discussions continue over tax incentives and the future of renewable energy development in the region. The Buffalo Meadow Solar Farm, also known as the Buffalo Meadow Energy Center, is being developed by Savion Energy and would be located approximately five miles north of Franklin. The project is expected to become one of the largest solar facilities in the Brazos Valley if construction moves forward as planned. Public documents indicate the development would generate between 200 and 275 megawatts of solar power, depending on the filing referenced. Earlier state documents described a 275-megawatt solar facility paired with a 150-megawatt battery storage system, while more recent county tax-abatement documents reference a 200-megawatt solar installation. The project would occupy approximately 2,100 acres and represents an estimated $200 million investment in Robertson County. According to ERCOT interconnection records and industry databases, commercial operations could begin as early as 2028. The proposed solar farm remains in the development and permitting phase. Robertson County officials have been evaluating tax-abatement agreements and reinvestment-zone designations associated with the project. Public hearings held in 2026 have provided residents with opportunities to learn more about the development and voice concerns regarding its potential impact on the community. As discussions have progressed, the project has generated significant debate among county residents. Opponents have expressed concerns about potential effects on property values, groundwater resources, environmental conditions and fire safety. Some residents have also raised questions about how a large-scale solar facility could alter the rural character and agricultural landscape of northeastern Robertson County. County leaders have maintained that negotiations involving tax incentives and development agreements are intended to protect local infrastructure and taxpayers while ensuring the county receives benefits from any future development. At the same time, many residents have urged county officials to reject incentive packages and take a cautious approach to large-scale renewable energy projects. The Buffalo Meadow proposal reflects a broader trend occurring across Texas as energy companies seek new locations for renewable power generation to meet increasing electricity demand. The state continues to experience population growth, industrial expansion and rising energy consumption, creating demand for additional generation resources connected to the ERCOT power grid. Supporters of utility-scale solar projects point to the potential for increased tax revenue, infrastructure investment and economic activity during construction. Critics, however, argue that the long-term impacts on rural communities and land use require careful consideration before approvals are granted. The outcome of the Buffalo Meadow Solar Farm proposal could have lasting implications for Robertson County, Franklin Independent School District, local landowners and neighboring communities. As county officials continue evaluating agreements and permits tied to the project, residents are expected to remain actively engaged in the discussion surrounding one of the largest proposed renewable energy developments in the area. With development reviews continuing and public interest remaining high, Buffalo Meadow is poised to remain a significant topic of discussion in Robertson County in the years leading up to its anticipated 2028 operational target.