Oregon Set To Receive Significant 900 MW Solar And Battery Project

In the realm of sustainable solutions with electric vehicles (EVs) and solar energy, Brookfield Renewable U.S. has revealed plans for a 900-megawatt (MW) solar and battery storage project in Sherman County, Oregon.

In detail, the “Speedway Solar and Battery Storage Project,” named for its proximity to a local racetrack, is set to become one of the largest renewable energy installations in the state. Located east of Grass Valley, the Speedway project will span around 9,500 acres of privately owned land. Importantly, Brookfield filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Oregon Department of Energy.

Innovative Design And Approach

According to Brookfield Renewable U.S., the project’s innovative design approach arrives with the solar arrays being arranged in “ribbons” along the edges of fields, allowing for the preservation of existing agricultural and wildlife corridors. This unique layout aims to balance clean energy production with continued agricultural use of the land.

Interestingly, the project’s strategic location adjacent to an existing high-voltage transmission line eliminates the need for additional power lines to reach the grid. Electricity generated by the plant will enter the grid through a new Bonneville Power Administration switchyard built within the project area, serving Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest.

John Soininen, vice president of development at Brookfield Renewable US, expressed enthusiasm about the project stating, “With Speedway, we want to preserve the county’s legacy of natural resource stewardship. By working with the landowners, we can reach our twin goals of decarbonizing the grid and maintaining the character of the region.”

Oregon’s Economic Benefits

While the exact battery storage capacity has not been disclosed, the solar farm alone could potentially power up to 150,000 households. This boost in renewable energy capacity could dramatically improve Oregon’s standing in solar energy production. Currently, the state ranks 24th in the United States (U.S.) with around 1,815 MW of installed solar capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

With this project increasing Oregon’s renewable energy capacity, it also sets a new standard for responsible energy development in the clean energy sector. As Brookfield Renewable U.S. aims to obtain its final order and site certificate for Speedway by spring 2026, the next step in the development process will be public hearings, scheduled to start this summer or autumn.

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