Avangrid Secures 120-MW Solar Deal with PGE

• Avangrid's latest solar project in Oregon powers the future, fueling sustainable energy for major companies while helping PGE customers reduce carbon footprints. Clean energy is here!

Avangrid Inc. has secured a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Portland General Electric (PGE) for a 120-MW solar project in Oregon, linked to the Tower Solar initiative currently under construction in Morrow County. This solar plant, upon completion, will supply electricity to customers enrolled in PGE’s Green Future Impact program, aimed at helping commercial and industrial clients reduce their carbon emissions through Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs).

The Tower Solar facility, located on industrial land owned by the Port of Morrow, is set to feature over 200,000 solar panels and is expected to be operational by 2026. This initiative supports companies like QTS and Meta Platforms Inc., which are committed to utilizing 100% renewable energy for their operations, aligning with broader sustainability goals. This marks Avangrid's sixth photovoltaic farm in Oregon.

How will Avangrid's new solar project impact renewable energy commitments in Oregon?

• Boosting Oregon's Renewable Energy Goals: Avangrid's new solar project aligns well with Oregon's ambitious renewable energy targets, including a law that mandates the state to reach 100% clean electricity by 2040. The addition of 120 MW of solar power enhances the state's capacity to meet these commitments.
• Increasing Capacity for Clean Energy: The Tower Solar facility contributes substantially to Oregon's renewable energy generation, potentially powering thousands of homes and businesses. This will help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote a cleaner energy grid.
• Economic Growth and Job Creation: The construction and operation of the solar project are expected to create jobs in the local renewable energy sector. This includes short-term jobs during the construction phase, as well as long-term positions for maintenance and operations, benefiting the local community.
• Enhanced Corporate Sustainability Efforts: By supplying energy specifically for PGE’s Green Future Impact program, Avangrid facilitates the efforts of corporations like QTS and Meta to mitigate their carbon footprints, supporting the growing trend of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in sustainability.
• Strengthening Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) Market: The project's contribution to the available RECs will aid businesses in their sustainability commitments by ensuring they can source clean energy verification, helping to articulate their environmental impact to consumers and stakeholders.
• Increased Interest in Renewable Investments: The Tower Solar initiative may stimulate further investments in renewable projects throughout Oregon, showcasing the viability and profitability of solar energy. As more companies seek partnerships for renewable energy sources, this could lead to a multiplier effect in investment and development.
• Long-term Environmental Benefits: The expansion of solar capacity through the Tower Solar project will contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the region, aiding in the mitigation of climate change impacts and improving local air quality.
• Collaboration with Local Entities: The involvement of local government and the Port of Morrow illustrates the importance of partnerships between public and private sectors in advancing renewable energy projects, paving the way for future collaborations.
• Educational and Community Outreach Opportunities: The establishment of the solar project may lead to enhanced educational programs in renewable energy for local schools and communities, fostering greater awareness and interest in sustainable practices.
• Potential for Technological Innovation: With the scale of the Tower Solar project, there may be opportunities for technological advancements in solar energy generation and storage, further enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the renewable sector.