Oregon Approves Nation’s Largest Solar Project: Sunstone Solar

The Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) has granted final approval for *Sunstone Solar*, a 1200 MW solar and 1200 MW storage project, marking a significant milestone for clean energy in the United States.

Developed by Pine Gate Renewables, this will be the largest proposed solar project in the country.

Pine Gate is in talks with customers and utilities to sell the energy from the project, which will connect to the Bonneville Power Administration via Umatilla Electric Cooperative. Engineering and procurement will start in early 2025, with construction beginning in 2026.

The project is a collaboration between Pine Gate and Morrow County stakeholders to balance renewable energy growth with community needs. A unique fund, managed by the County, will invest in programs supporting the local agricultural economy, particularly wheat farmers, addressing the project’s impact on farmland.

Pine Gate Renewables CEO Ben Catt called the unanimous approval a *“win-win for Oregon and Morrow County,”* while U.S. Senator Ron Wyden praised the project as a step forward in the fight against the climate crisis, backed by federal investments like the Inflation Reduction Act.

With 17 existing solar projects in Oregon, Pine Gate Renewables acquired Sunstone Solar from Gallatin Power Partners in 2022.