Utility-Scale Solar — Blog

April 2020 Newsletter

In this month’s newsletter, $1.5 Million in Solar + Storage Rebates requested, the Pacific Northwest's largest approved solar facility, a 50th celebration of Earth Day, and more.

Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, ODOE Incentives, Renewable Energy, Safety & ResilienceJennifer KalezApril 30, 2020Newsletter, Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, Energy Facility Siting Council, Utility-Scale Solar, COVID-19, Rulemaking

Will Oregon’s Solar Boom Lead to a Solar Recycling Boom?

The Oregon Department of Energy’s Solar Dashboard shows just 15 solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in 1999 – the first year for which we have data. At the time, those solar electric panels – all on residential rooftops – were quite the novelty, and something to stop and stare at.

Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Renewable Energy, Safety & ResilienceGuest UserMarch 18, 2020Solar, Solar Energy, Utility-Scale Solar, Community Solar, Renewable Energy, recycling

Energy Facility Siting Council to Meet March 13 in The Dalles

Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council will meet on Friday, March 13 in The Dalles. The public meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, 5000 Discovery Drive.

Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, Press Releases, Public Meeting, Renewable EnergyGuest UserMarch 6, 2020EFSC, Energy Facility Siting Council, Bakeoven, Solar, Utility-Scale Solar, Contested Case, Rulemaking, The Dalles, Wasco, Maupin

November 2019 Newsletter

In our last newsletter of 2019: Oregon submits comments to the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, bold new zero emission vehicle targets, an ODOE tour of public electric utilities, and more.

Climate Change, Energy Facilities, Get Involved, Renewable EnergyJennifer KalezDecember 2, 2019Newsletter, Solar, Electric Vehicles, Zero Emission Vehicles, Climate Change, Consumer Owned Utilities, Utility-Scale Solar, Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, Get Involved

ODOE to Hold Two Public Information Meetings in November on Proposed Utility-Scale Solar Projects

The Energy Facility Siting Council is currently reviewing seven proposed state-jurisdiction facilities in Oregon. Two of those facilities, Bakeoven Solar Project and Obsidian Solar Center, recently submitted complete applications for a site certificate. Now, ODOE will host informational meetings about each proposed facility so Oregonians can learn more about them.

Get Involved, Energy Facilities, Public Meeting, Renewable EnergyJennifer KalezNovember 7, 2019Solar, Public Involvement, Public Meeting, Get Involved, Utility-Scale Solar, Energy Facility Siting Council, Central Oregon

Oregon Department of Energy to Host Free Utility-Scale Solar + Battery Storage Workshop October 29

Utility operations, maintenance, and engineering staff are encouraged to attend to learn how northwest utilities are enhancing local energy resilience and supporting grid operations through the use of battery storage systems coupled with solar installations.

Energy in Oregon, Renewable EnergyJennifer KalezOctober 25, 2019Solar Energy, Battery Storage, Energy Storage, Workshop, Get Involved, Utility-Scale Solar

Energy Facility Siting Council To Meet May 16-17 In Condon

Proposed changes to three wind farms – two in the planning stages and one already operating – will be the main topics on the agenda at the next Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council meeting May 16-17 in Condon. The public meeting begins Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at Hotel Condon, 202 S. Main St.

Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, Press Releases, Public Meeting, Renewable EnergyGuest UserMay 9, 2019EFSC, Montague, Stateline, Summit Ridge, Wind Energy, Wind Farms, Utility-Scale Solar, Condon, Energy Facility Siting Council, Gilliam, Umatilla, Wasco

March 2019 Newsletter

ODOE’s March newsletter talks about the latest round of Renewable Energy Development Grants, a new Oregon Solar Dashboard, a new Grounded podcast episode, a quick update on the legislative session., and more.

Energy Facility Siting Council To Meet December 14 In The Dalles

Two energy facilities planned for northeastern Oregon will be the focus of discussion at the next Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council meeting on Friday, December 14 in The Dalles. The public meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Discovery Center, 5000 Discovery Drive.

Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, Press Releases, Public Meeting, Renewable EnergyGuest UserDecember 6, 2018Wheatridge, Carty, Wind Energy, Wind Farms, Natural Gas, Solar Energy, Utility-Scale Solar, EFSC, Energy Facility Siting Council, Boardman, The Dalles

ODOE’s Siting Division Reviewing A Record 15 Projects

Utility-scale solar electric facilities are the hot new thing in Oregon, and many existing wind farms are taking steps to “repower” older turbines by using longer blades. Those are two reasons why the Facility Siting Division at the Oregon Department of Energy now has a record 15 projects under review!