SHERMAN CO. — Another large energy generation project is headed for the region. On July 30, Brookfield Renewable, one of the world’s largest publicly trade energy companies, announced it had filed a notice of intent with the Oregon Department of Energy to develop a solar and battery storage facility in Sherman County. A press release said it’s being called Speedway Solar Project for its location near the Speedway auto racing facility east of Grass Valley in south Sherman County. When it’s completed, it is expected to deliver 900 megawatts of carbon-free energy, and will be one of the largest in Oregon. By comparison, The Dalles Dam is rated at 2,100 megawatts.
The project features a new twist. Rather than place the solar arrays in a solid block, the layout is designed to set them in ribbons along the edges of the fields. The release notes such a design will “protect existing agricultural and wildlife corridors, thereby allowing continued agricultural use of the land.”
It’s also located next to an existing transmission line eliminating the need for additional transmission lines to reach the grid. “We are pleased to deliver the [notice of intent] and take this significant step forward in developing the Speedway Project,” said John Soininen, vice president of development at Brookfield Renewable U.S. “We are grateful for the warm welcome we have received in Sherman County and look forward to building long-term relationships throughout the community.”
During construction, the project will create hundreds of family wage jobs and once operational will provide ongoing employment and expand the local tax base. Public hearings will start this fall, with final approval expected in 2025. More information at www.speedwaysolarproject.com.
Commented