LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The developer of a solar energy project planned for land just west of Lincoln has decided to seek federal certification instead of state approval.

Coronal Developmental Services officials hope to speed up the 5-megawatt project by getting self-certification through the Federal Public Utilities Regulatory Policies Act. Coronal attorney Nelson Teague says the group has completed the self-certification process with many projects and is familiar with it.

Executive director Tim Texel of the Nebraska Power Review Board says it’s common for renewable generation facilities with 80-megawatt capacity or less to seek self-certification.

Lincoln Electric System has a 20-year contract to buy power from the project.