New ODOE Study Outlines Potential for Small-Scale and Community-Based Renewable Energy Projects

The Oregon Department of Energy published a new study today that provides a foundation for understanding how small-scale and community-based renewable energy projects could support Oregon communities.

In the 2021 legislative session, the Oregon Legislature directed ODOE to convene a diverse workgroup of stakeholders to examine opportunities and address barriers to developing small-scale and community-based renewable energy projects. ODOE held four workshops to discuss project ownership and access; opportunities and barriers; benefits, costs, and rate impacts; and recommendations for projects in Oregon. ODOE also conducted a literature review and invited expert speakers to provide additional background on the topic.

Overall, the workgroup determined that small-scale projects can help Oregon achieve important goals, like improving equitable access to clean energy, making more efficient use of state land and resources, supporting community energy resilience, and increasing local economic performance, among other benefits. The workgroup also discussed barriers to implementing projects, such as lack of resources to plan for, develop, and maintain facilities in addition to lack of finances to pay for the projects. 

ODOE's study includes a list of ideas that could bolster small-scale and community-based renewable energy projects for Oregonians. We're grateful to the workgroup members for giving their time and thoughtful feedback in developing the final report to the Legislature. The report, background materials, and information from the workgroup meetings are available on ODOE's website.