Oregon’s largest solar farm, AVANGRID’s Pachwáywit Fields, achieves commercial operation

On Tuesday, sustainable energy company AVANGRID said its Pachwáywit Fields solar farm (also known as Montague Solar) in Gilliam County, Ore., had achieved commercial operation.

The 162MWac plant is the state’s largest photovoltaic plant and will now deliver clean, renewable energy to large customers and municipalities enrolled in Portland General Electric’s (PGE) Green Future Impact program.

“This new solar project is proof of AVANGRID’s strong commitment to accelerating the energy transition in Oregon and in the U.S.,” said Pedro Azagra, AVANGRID CEO. “We are proud to work with PGE to help it meet its ambitious targets to reduce emissions and provide clean, reliable power to its customers.”

The solar field began construction in 2021 on land ceded to AVANGRID by the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs. Pronounced Patch-Why-Wit, the word means “sun” in the Sahaptin language, and the name, officials said, pays tribute to the history and stewardship of the Warm Springs and Umatilla Tribes. The land spans 1,223 acres and includes 471,156 solar panels that generate enough energy to power 40,000 homes.

“The completion of AVANGRID’s Pachwáywit Fields project is great news for Gilliam County. Thanks to AVANGRID for selecting Gilliam County for this project, we now house the largest solar project in Oregon and will be receiving a significant increase in tax revenue in the future,” said Pat W. Shannon, Gilliam County Commissioner. “The project has also made Gilliam County the largest producer of combined wind and solar renewable energy in the State of Oregon. Because of the extended construction period, the county also realized additional and unanticipated tax revenue.”