A bold partnership between Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) and Portland General Electric (PGE) (NYSE: POR) has resulted in the development of Tower Solar, a 120 MWac (166 MWdc) solar project in Oregon. This project is part of PGE’s Green Future Impact (GFI) program, enabling large businesses and municipal organizations to access sustainable energy solutions.
The solar facility, currently under construction in Morrow County, will span about 900 acres of industrial land near Boardman Airport. Over 200,000 solar panels will be installed to generate clean energy for large commercial clients, including QTS, a leading data center solutions provider, and Meta, a tech giant advancing its 100% renewable energy goals.
An Economic Boost for the Region
At its peak, the construction of Tower Solar will employ more than 200 local workers, providing direct economic support to the community. Once operational, the project is expected to generate approximately $20 million in payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) and property taxes, which will fund essential public services such as education.
“This project reflects our commitment to strengthening U.S. energy independence while investing in local communities through jobs and tax revenues,” said Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid.
A Model for Sustainable Partnerships
PGE’s Green Future Impact program stands out for its collaborative approach. Participating customers, such as QTS, subscribe to a bundled renewable energy product and receive Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) associated with the energy produced. This model enables the development of large-scale projects without passing costs onto non-participating customers.
“Through this program, our largest customers can fund the renewable resources they need while supporting green jobs and revenue for Oregon communities,” explained Brett Greene, Senior Director of Clean Energy Origination and Structuring at PGE.
Advancing the Energy Transition
Tower Solar becomes Avangrid’s sixth solar project in Oregon, adding to its 16 other energy generation facilities in the state, representing a total capacity of 1.6 GW in wind and solar energy. The company is also behind Pachwáywit Fields, Oregon’s largest operational solar park, as well as the Daybreak and Bakeoven projects currently under construction.
With a combined capacity of 482 MWac once these projects are completed, the Green Future Impact program emerges as a critical driver of the energy transition in the region.
