The Sunstone Solar project in Eastern Oregon, owned by Pine Gate Renewables, has secured final approval from the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC). This groundbreaking 2.4 GW project will feature 1,200 MW of solar capacity and 1,200 MW of energy storage, positioning it as the largest solar and storage initiative in the United States.

Pine Gate Renewables collaborated closely with Morrow County and local agricultural organizations to develop a fund supporting the local agricultural economy, particularly the region’s wheat farms. The program will invest over $1,000 per project acre into county-managed initiatives that enhance the viability and resilience of local agriculture.

The project is set to begin engineering and procurement in early 2025, with phased construction planned for 2026. The energy produced will connect to the Bonneville Power Administration via the Umatilla Electric Cooperative system, with discussions underway for power purchase agreements with customers and utilities.

Pine Gate Renewables, which owns 17 other solar projects in Oregon, acquired Sunstone Solar from Gallatin Power Partners in 2022.

Source: pinegaterenewables.com