The Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council has given final approval for the construction of the 2.4 gigawatt (GW) Sunstone Solar project, making it the largest proposed solar and energy storage facility in the United States. This project, developed by Pine Gate Renewables, is set to be built in Eastern Oregon and is expected to power over 240,000 homes.
The project, which is projected to start construction in 2025 and be fully operational by 2028, will span approximately 7,000 acres and include 9.5 miles of transmission lines. It will also feature advanced battery storage units, allowing for a stable energy supply even on cloudy days. This is a major milestone in the transition to renewable energy, as the U.S. has never seen a facility of this size before.
Oregon has ambitious clean energy targets and this project will contribute to their goal of sourcing 100 percent of their electricity from renewable sources by 2040. The facility is also expected to generate economic benefits, including job opportunities during construction and ongoing operations.
Pine Gate Renewables CEO Ben Catt stated that the recent unanimous permit approval is a testament to the way their team worked with stakeholders to provide a win-win for Oregon and the Morrow County community. This project will not only provide clean energy but also bring economic benefits to the local community.
The largest solar power facility in the U.S. currently is the DeGiovanni Franklin Solar Plant in New Jersey, with a capacity of 983 megawatts per hour. With a capacity of 2.4 GW, the Sunstone Solar project will almost double the current solar power storage facilities in Oregon, which stands at 1.9 GW.
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, there are currently over five million solar installations in the U.S. This project will contribute to the growth of renewable energy in the country and help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Overall, the approval of the Sunstone Solar project marks a significant step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for Oregon and the U.S. as a whole. It showcases the potential for large-scale renewable energy projects and sets an example for other states to follow.