Pattern Energy Presents ‘Shoals Renewables’ Wind Project Amid Fierce Public Pushback

Montgomery County Board Meeting | April 14, 2026

Article Summary:
Pattern Energy presented an update on its proposed 500-megawatt “Shoals Renewables” wind and solar project to the Montgomery County Board on Tuesday, facing intense criticism from residents and board members regarding transparency, environmental impacts, and aggressive land-leasing tactics. Pattern pledged to hold a public meeting to address the mounting concerns.

Shoals Renewables Project Key Points:

• Pattern Energy is proposing a 500-megawatt wind turbine project with an estimated $1 billion investment.

• Six members of the public strongly criticized the project during public comment, citing health, safety, property values, and deceptive agent practices.

• County Board members echoed resident concerns, demanding the company terminate unethical land agents and provide more transparent mapping.

• The formal permitting process is not expected to begin until 2027 or 2028, with construction slated for late 2028.

HILLSBORO — The Montgomery County Board on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, heard a presentation on a massive proposed wind and solar project that was immediately met with heavy fire from both residents and board members.

Diogo Botelho, Lead Project Manager for Pattern Energy, outlined the “Shoals Renewables” project, a proposed 500-megawatt wind turbine development. Botelho told the board that Pattern Energy—an American company owned by three large pension fund investors—has established an office in Raymond and chose Montgomery County due to its power grid access, wind speeds, and land availability.

Botelho characterized the estimated $1 billion investment as a strong fit for the county that would generate union jobs, transformational tax revenue, and long-term financial benefits. While displaying a working footprint map, he noted that data gathering is still underway and no final turbine layout has been established. According to Botelho, the permitting process would occur between 2027 and 2028, with construction starting in late 2028 and operations beginning in 2030.

However, the presentation followed a public comment period dominated by residents who fiercely opposed the development and condemned the company’s business practices.

Resident Rita Bruntjen told the board her family has already been negatively impacted by Pattern Energy’s land agents, who she said falsely claimed her family was the only one in their area holding out on signing a lease. She called the tactic deceptive and cited concerns about potential health and safety issues and property damage.

Dan Mulch criticized the lack of information available on Pattern’s website and submitted a letter to the board demanding the county require Pattern Energy to provide a public map of all leased parcels, exact project areas, and turbine specifications before any permits are filed. Mulch’s letter indicated the project could feature over 100 turbines and warned against the permanent conversion of prime farmland into “energy sprawl.”

Other residents raised concerns about the local water table, shadow flicker, and infrastructure damage. Jim Brockmeyer reported he had visited the Lotus wind project in Virden and Girard, stating he could not fathom living near the turbines and predicting that new technology would soon make wind energy obsolete.

The resident pushback was mirrored by the County Board. Chairman Doug Donaldson directly requested that Pattern stop spreading misleading information through its land agents and urged constituents to report such instances to the board. Board Member Jeremy Jones went further, asking the company to terminate any land agents acting unethically.

Board Member Chad Ruppert expressed his own concerns regarding misinformation and requested that Pattern Energy sign memorandums of understanding with local unions to ensure Montgomery County labor is used. Board members also pressed Botelho on environmental studies, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviews, and the payback timeline for Pattern’s investment. Botelho confirmed that no payback timeline has been established.

In agenda packet documents submitted to the board, opponents also flagged the possibility of Pattern utilizing a “BESS Loophole”—a reference to a proposed 900-acre Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility. Memos submitted to the board urged the county to pass a restrictive ordinance capping acreage and mandating strict National Fire Protection Association standards for the lithium-ion batteries.

Following the intense questioning, Donaldson asked the Pattern team to remain after the meeting to answer questions from the public. He also asked Botelho to commit to holding a dedicated public meeting at the Historic Courthouse once the company has more concrete answers. Botelho pledged that a public meeting will be held.

Ruppert confirmed the project will remain on the agenda for upcoming Development and Personnel Committee meetings, which are open to the public.