Oregon approves largest solar project in the US

December 08, 2024

The state of Oregon has advanced its sustainability efforts by approving the Sunstone Solar project, which will span about 10,000 acres in Morrow County.

Set to be the largest of its kind in the U.S., the project will use nearly 4 million solar panels to generate 1,200 megawatts of power—enough to provide clean, emission-free electricity to around 800,000 homes annually.

Developer to invest $11 million in support of local farmers

According to Ben Catt, CEO of Pine Gate Renewables, Oregon’s energy facility permitting process is among the most rigorous in the nation. The state has strict rules about where solar panels can be installed to protect the best farmland. However, projects like Sunstone Solar can obtain special permission if they demonstrate clear benefits to the area.

Having this in mind, Catt pointed out that the recent unanimous permit approval reflects the collaborative efforts between the project team and stakeholders to create a solution that benefits both Oregon and the Morrow County community.

The energy company plans to begin construction in 2026 and will invest over $1,000 per acre to support local agriculture. This initiative will contribute approximately $11 million to a fund aimed at benefiting the region’s wheat farmers, while enhancing the long-term sustainability of Morrow County’s wheat farms.

US Senator Ron Wyden emphasized that the fight against the climate crisis relies on diverse energy solutions, citing Pine Gate Renewables’ solar power and energy storage project in as a clear example of the important federal investments secured through the Inflation Reduction Act.

“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,” the Oregon senator said.

Local farmers welcome economic opportunities

Pine Gate already owns and operates 17 other solar projects in Oregon, having acquired Sunstone Solar from Gallatin Power Partners in 2022. Additionally, the project is just one of the many steps that Oregon is taking towards its goal of generating all the state’s electricity from clean energy sources by 2040, while eliminating pollution from power production.

Ken Grieb, a local wheat farmer and landowner involved in the project, is hopeful about its potential to bring economic benefits to Morrow County. Pine Gate’s collaborative approach to energy development shows a commitment to the community, he notes. “Pine Gate has demonstrated how large energy facility development can be done thoughtfully and collaboratively,” Grieb said.

Sunstone Solar will connect to the grid through the Bonneville Power Administration via the Umatilla Electric Cooperative system, with engineering and procurement starting in early 2025 and phased construction expected to begin in 2026.