Key Takeaways
- Sunstone Solar, a 1,200 MW solar and storage project in Oregon, has received final approval from the Energy Facility Siting Council.
- Pine Gate Renewables plans to begin engineering and procurement in early 2025, with construction phased to start in 2026.
- The project aims to provide electricity and environmental attributes to local utilities via the Bonneville Power Administration.
Project Overview and Development Timeline
Sunstone Solar, one of the largest proposed solar initiatives in the United States, has secured its final discretionary approval from the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC). This approval marks the last step in Oregon’s comprehensive evaluation and public engagement process, allowing project owner Pine Gate Renewables to move forward with construction.
The project will generate 1,200 megawatts (MW) of solar energy and an additional 1,200 MW of energy storage, to be situated in Morrow County. Pine Gate Renewables is currently negotiating with various customers and local utilities to sell the electricity and its associated environmental benefits. Energy produced will connect with the Bonneville Power Administration through the Umatilla Electric Cooperative’s system.
Construction is set to begin in phases starting in 2026, following an initial engineering and procurement phase slated for early 2025. The rigorous permitting process in Oregon has been highlighted by Pine Gate’s CEO, Ben Catt, who notes that the unanimous approval reflects the team’s collaborative efforts with local stakeholders, aiming for mutual benefits for both the state and Morrow County residents.
Pine Gate Renewables, which already manages 17 other solar projects across Oregon, acquired the Sunstone project from Gallatin Power Partners in 2022. This new venture aligns with the company’s commitment to enhancing renewable energy solutions in the region, further positioning Oregon as a leader in sustainable energy initiatives.
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