Brookfield Renewable US has taken a major step toward expanding Oregon’s renewable energy landscape by filing a Notice of Intent to develop the Speedway Solar and Battery Storage Project.
This substantial undertaking is poised to be one of the state’s largest solar installations, coupled with battery energy storage capacity.
Speedway’s Strategic Location and Capacity
The 900-megawatt (MW) Speedway project is slated for a location east of Grass Valley in Sherman County, spanning approximately 9,500 acres of private land.
Its unique name comes from its proximity to an operational racetrack. While Brookfield hasn’t disclosed specifics about the battery storage component, the solar farm itself boasts the potential to power a significant number of households, estimated to be around 150,000.
Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for Efficient Integration
One of Speedway’s strategic advantages is its location adjacent to an existing high-voltage transmission line.
This proximity eliminates the need for constructing new transmission infrastructure and ensures the seamless integration of the electricity generated into the grid.
The power will be transmitted through a new Bonneville Power Administration switchyard within the project area, serving the broader Oregon region and the Pacific Northwest.
Innovative Design for Minimal Environmental Impact
Brookfield emphasizes that Speedway’s design sets it apart from other projects.
The solar array will be arranged in “ribbons” along the edges of existing fields, a deliberate choice to safeguard agricultural land and wildlife corridors.
This innovative approach not only minimizes environmental disruption but also allows for the continued agricultural use of the land.
Boosting Oregon’s Renewable Energy Ranking
The Speedway project is expected to significantly impact Oregon’s position in the national solar energy landscape.
Currently ranked 24th in the US for installed solar capacity, Oregon could see a substantial jump in the rankings thanks to the project’s 900 MW capacity.
This would greatly contribute to the state’s renewable energy goals.
Timeline for Development and Approval
Brookfield Renewable US aims to secure the final order and site certificate for the Speedway Solar and Battery Storage Project by spring 2026. This ambitious timeline reflects the company’s commitment to accelerating the transition to clean energy sources and supporting Oregon’s renewable energy ambitions.