NextEra Energy Resources and PGE launch new clean energy facilities in Oregon

NextEra Energy Resources and Portland General Electric (PGE) have launched the first utility-scale energy facilities in North America to co-locate wind, solar and battery storage in Morrow County, Oregon.

The Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facilities includes 300 megawatts of wind, 50 megawatts of solar and 30 megawatts of battery storage.

“Bringing wind, solar and energy storage together at one site is quite a significant moment for renewable technologies. We’re pleased to work with Portland General Electric and help them achieve their decarbonization goals,” Rebecca Kujawa, president and CEO of NextEra Energy Resources, said. “These facilities generate low-cost, homegrown energy and will provide millions of dollars in additional tax revenue to Morrow County over the life of the project.”

Wheatridge plays a key role in helping PGE meet Oregon’s targets of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80 percent by 2030, 90 percent by 2035 and 100 percent by 2040.

“By supporting innovative projects like Wheatridge, we continue to accelerate renewable energy solutions for our state, communities and customers, while maintaining reliability and affordability,” Maria Pope, president and CEO of Portland General Electric, said. “This partnership marks a technological milestone in decarbonizing our system and making clean energy accessible to all Oregonians.”

The Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facilities generate power using wind and solar technology, while the battery storage system stores electricity not immediately used and delivers it when it is needed.

“It’s because of projects like Wheatridge that Oregon is leading the way in growing our clean energy economy. Under my administration, Oregon has taken a comprehensive approach to reducing our carbon emissions and moving Oregon towards 100% clean energy on one of the most ambitious timelines in the nation,” Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said. “I firmly believe we can move to 100% clean electricity sources and create good-paying jobs in rural Oregon at the same time.

Construction of the Wheatridge wind farm, solar and storage sites created 300 jobs while roughly 10 full-time employees will operate the combined facilities. The facilities will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of 100,000 homes.