Portland General Electric (PGE) has finalized agreements for more than 1,000MW of new renewable energy and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Oregon. The utility company describes this acquisition as the largest renewables procurement in its history.

The projects were secured through multiple procurement processes, including PGE's 2023 all-source request for proposals (RFP), power purchase agreement (PPA) procurements, and the 2025 RFP. The Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) supervises these processes with the intended goal of ensuring all bids are assessed in a fair, impartial, and transparent manner.

Project Portfolio and Timeline

Following the completion of contract negotiations, PGE and third-party developers will initiate construction planning for the new renewables and BESS projects totaling 1,015MW. The ownership structure will be split with 42% utility-owned and 58% under power purchase agreements. These resources are projected to start serving customers in 2027 and 2028.

The projects collectively represent 650MW of energy storage capacity and 365MW of solar PV capacity. Four major projects comprise the portfolio, each with distinct ownership structures and operational timelines.

Individual Project Details

The Biglow Optimisation project in Sherman County, Oregon, will feature 125MW of solar PV capacity paired with 125MW of BESS. This PGE-owned facility represents approximately $540 million in investment and is targeted for late 2027 operation.

The Wheatridge Expansion in Morrow County, Oregon, will include 240MW of solar PV and 125MW of BESS capacity. This project involves joint ownership with a third party, with PGE owning 110MW of solar and 65MW of storage capacity. The investment totals approximately $490 million, with operations planned for late 2027.

Two standalone battery storage projects are also included in the portfolio. The Meadowlark Battery project in Washington County, Oregon, will provide 200MW of BESS capacity with a targeted late 2027 operation date, pending OPUC approval. This facility will be third-party owned, with PGE serving customers through a long-term power purchase agreement.

The Nottingham Battery project, also located in Washington County, Oregon, will deliver 200MW of BESS capacity. Operations are scheduled for 2028, pending OPUC approval. Like the Meadowlark project, this facility will be third-party owned with PGE serving customers through a long-term PPA.

Infrastructure and Cost Optimization

The Biglow and Wheatridge projects are advancing into development using existing transmission and interconnection infrastructure. This approach is designed to reduce costs associated with the projects' implementation and operation.

The strategic use of existing infrastructure represents a significant factor in the economic viability of these renewable energy installations, allowing PGE to maximize the efficiency of its investment in clean energy resources.

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