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The biggest solar storage project in the US will help to address the climate crisis.
Pine Gate Renewables has received final discretionary approval from the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) to commence the construction of the 2.4GW Sunstone solar project.
The project, which includes 1.2GW of solar and 1.2GW of storage capacity, is set to become the nation’s largest proposed solar and storage project.
The state’s approval marks a pivotal advancement for Pine Gate Renewables, Oregon, and the broader pursuit of clean energy across the country.
It concludes a comprehensive evaluation and public involvement process, granting the project owner the green light to proceed.
Pine Gate Renewables has collaborated closely with Morrow County and agricultural organisations on a unique initiative to support the local community.
The programme pledges to contribute more than $1000 for each acre of the project to a county-administered fund to support local agricultural economic activities and enhance the sustainability and resilience of Morrow County’s wheat farms.
Pine Gate is in negotiations with potential customers and local utilities to sell the electricity and associated environmental attributes generated by the project.
The energy will be distributed through the Bonneville Power Administration, with connections facilitated by the Umatilla Electric Cooperative system.
The engineering and procurement phase will commence in early 2025, with phased construction from 2026.
US Senator Ron Wyden stated: “The fight against the climate crisis depends on a variety of successful energy solutions like Pine Gate Renewables’ solar power and energy storage project in eastern Oregon.
“This is just another example of the important federal investments I fought for in the Inflation Reduction Act, and I will continue to advocate for tech-neutral solutions in our tax code that promote innovation and efficiency in Oregon and across the nation.”
Pine Gate, which already owns and operates seventeen other solar projects within Oregon, acquired the Sunstone Solar project from Gallatin Power Partners in 2022.
Pine Gate Renewables CEO Ben Catt stated: “Oregon’s energy facility permitting process is one of the most rigorous in the entire country.
“The recent unanimous permit approval is a testament to the way our team worked with stakeholders to provide a win-win for Oregon and the Morrow County community.” |
