On October 6, the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) granted final approval for the construction of the Sunstone Solar Project, the largest proposed solar-plus-storage facility in the United States. Owned by Pine Gate Renewables, it will combine a 1,200 MW solar photovoltaic system with a 1,200 MW/7,200 MWh battery storage component. This mega project will contribute significantly to Oregon’s renewable energy capacity, helping the state meet its clean energy goals.
Ben Catt, Chief Executive Officer of Pine Gate Renewables said,
“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.”
Tech Giants Drive Oregon’s Energy Transformation
S&P Global emphasized the increasing electricity demand, driven by data centers, semiconductor manufacturing, and the electric vehicle market in the Pacific Northwest. This massive energy demand comes from top tech giants like Amazon and Meta, which are expanding their operations. At the same time, utilities like Portland General Electric are seeking clean energy solutions to meet state targets.
Maggie Sasser, Pine Gate’s vice president of government and external affairs also confirmed the above fact by saying,
“It’s no secret that data centers are driving significant load growth across the country, including in the Pacific Northwest.”
Pine Gate: Leading the Solar Revolution in the U.S.
Pine Gate Renewables, a leading developer and operator of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects is pioneering clean energy innovation across the United States. The company acquired the Sunstone Solar Project from Gallatin Power Partners in 2022,
Established in 2016, with over $7 billion secured in project financing and investments, Pine Gate is a trusted industry partner. The company’s operational portfolio includes more than 100 solar facilities, delivering over two gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity. In Oregon alone, the company operates 17 solar facilities. Additionally, the solar giant is advancing over 30 GW of projects that are currently in development.
Unleashing the Sunstone Solar Project
The Sunstone Solar Project will connect to the Bonneville Power Administration transmission system via Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s network, ensuring reliable energy delivery. Pine Gate Renewables is already in discussions with customers and utilities to secure agreements for electricity and environmental attributes generated by the facility.
Key Features
As per the Oregon Department of Energy, the facility spans approximately 9,442 acres of private land in Morrow County and will occupy an area zoned for Exclusive Farm Use. It will include essential infrastructure such as:
- Up to 7,200 MWh of battery storage.
- An interconnection substation.
- Six collector substations.
- Four operations and maintenance buildings.
- 9.5 miles of 230-kilovolt overhead transmission lines.
- Roads, perimeter fencing, and gates.
Significantly, this solar project will enter the engineering and procurement phase in early 2025. Construction will begin in 2026, with the facility expected to come online in phases. This timeline reflects a meticulous approach to planning and execution, ensuring the project meets both technical and environmental standards.
Bright Gains for Morrow County
Recognizing the importance of community engagement, Pine Gate Renewables partnered with Morrow County and local agricultural organizations to address potential economic impacts. A first-of-its-kind initiative will invest over $1,000 per project acre into a county-managed fund. This fund will support programs aimed at bolstering the local agricultural economy and ensuring the resilience of the region’s wheat farms.
Ken Grieb, a wheat farmer and landowner in the project also expressed himself, saying,
“As a lifelong resident of Morrow County, I’m excited for Sunstone Solar to move forward so the local community can benefit from the economic opportunities that the project will bring. Pine Gate has demonstrated how large energy facility development can be done thoughtfully and collaboratively.”
Sunstone Solar Gets Federal Support
The press release also highlighted a vital attribute of the Sunstone Solar Project i.e. it aligns with federal incentives which were established by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. These policies offer tax credits for solar, battery storage, and other low-emission energy technologies.
United States Senator Ron Wyden remarked,
“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.”
As seen and perceived there has been significant uncertainty lately regarding the U.S. clean energy future following the re-election of President Donald Trump. Despite this, solar providers are optimistic.
Sunstone Solar Project is not just a mere solar project. It reflects Pine Gate Renewables’ dedication to sustainability and community collaboration. By addressing agricultural concerns and meeting Oregon’s growing energy demand, this project can truly make the state a renewable energy leader.