Oregon greenlights 1,200 MW Sunstone Solar project, America's largest solar farm

Oregon has just given the green light to the Sunstone Solar project, which is set to become the biggest solar farm in the US. Covering about 10,000 acres in Morrow County, this project is a major step forward in the state's push for sustainability.

Sunstone Solar will roll out nearly 4 million solar panels, generating 1,200 megawatts of clean, emission-free power. That's enough to power around 800,000 homes every year.

Ben Catt, CEO of Pine Gate Renewables, pointed out that Oregon has some pretty tough regulations when it comes to energy projects. The state takes care to protect prime farmland, which means solar farms have to show real benefits to the local area to get approval. But they get the go-ahead when projects like Sunstone can prove their worth.

Construction is expected to kick off in 2026, and Pine Gate plans to invest over $1,000 per acre to help local farmers. They're also putting about $11 million into a fund to support the region's wheat farmers and ensure Morrow County's agricultural future stays strong and sustainable.

US Senator Ron Wyden spoke up about how important this project is in the fight against climate change. He pointed to it as an example of the kind of federal investment the Inflation Reduction Act is bringing in and promised to keep pushing for policies supporting nationwide clean energy innovation.

Pine Gate Renewables isn't new to Oregon's renewable energy scene—it already owns and operates 17 other solar projects in the state. In 2022, it bought Sunstone Solar from Gallatin Power Partners, strengthening its market position.

The project also aligns with Oregon's bold goal of generating all its electricity from clean sources by 2040 and eliminating pollution from power generation.

Once up and running, Sunstone Solar will connect to the grid via the Bonneville Power Administration and the Umatilla Electric Cooperative. Engineering and procurement work will start in early 2025, and construction will start in phases in 2026.