Wind Power News: Oregon
These news and opinion items are gathered by National Wind Watch to help keep readers informed about developments related to industrial wind energy. They are the products of the organizations or individuals noted and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of National Wind Watch.
Will a new energy project lure eagles to their death?
A proposed energy storage project in the Columbia Basin is drawing concern from bird advocates. They’re worried new water ponds could attract waterfowl and eagles that could then be struck by nearby wind turbines. The Goldendale pumped hydro storage project would work like a giant battery. Green energy advocates say this type of storage is crucial to getting more renewable power on the grid. The project would be able to store renewable energy for times when the wind isn’t blowing . . . Complete story »
Wind project draws fire
More than a dozen citizens asked the Wasco County Commission April 3 not to submit a letter of support it wrote for the Summit Ridge wind project east of Dufur. The commission opted to table the matter. The commission had written the letter on behalf of the owner of the Summit Ridge turbine project to Puget Sound Energy, a Washington-based utility whose role as a power-purchaser in the project is key to its development. The project was first applied for . . . Complete story »
Wind turbines coming to Tilikum Crossing
PORTLAND, Ore. – Some wind energy is coming to the Tilikum Crossing Bridge. On Monday TriMet will start installing 12 wind turbines on either side of the bridge. The 4-foot tall curved turbines will be secured atop these poles. Once in place, they will produce energy that will be used to power the lights. TriMet is partnering on the project with students in the mechanical engineering school at Portland State University. The students will monitor the devices and help determine if . . . Complete story »
PGE will spend $160 million on massive renewable energy project in eastern Oregon
Energy companies plan a giant renewable energy project in Morrow County, combining wind and solar power generation with battery storage. Plans for the facility have been in the works for nine years. On Wednesday, Portland General Electric said it wants to build the project with a big Florida company called NextEra Energy, subject to approval by NextEra management and sign-off by the Oregon Public Utility Commission. Backers say their proposed Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facility will combine 300 megawatts of wind . . . Complete story »
PGE project will combine wind, solar and batteries in Morrow County
Morrow County is going to be home to the nation’s first large-scale energy facility to combine power from wind, solar and battery storage. Portland General Electric has partnered with NextEra Energy Resources to build the new Wheatridge Renewable Energy Facility, consisting of a 300-megawatt wind farm, a 30-megawatt battery storage facility and a new 50-megawatt solar farm. PGE spokesperson Steve Corson said the combination of that size is a first in North America, according to the experts at NextEra. “They . . . Complete story »
Oregon wind developer contemplates super-tall turbines
A proposed Oregon wind farm could become home to the nation’s tallest wind turbines, with blade tips reaching 650 feet into the air – more than 100 feet higher than the loftiest Portland skyscraper. Avangrid Renewables is considering the turbines for the Golden Hills Wind Project near the town of Wasco, about 100 miles east of Portland. State Energy Department staff this week recommended approval of the Portland-based company’s request to amend an existing site permit and allow for the mammoth . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine sparks grass fire
A malfunctioning wind turbine sparked a grass fire near Arlington that burned about 2,000 acres on Thursday. Joe Claughton, North Gilliam Rural Fire Protection District chief, said no buildings were burned, but two railroad trestles caught on fire. The fire started about half a mile from milepost 3 on Highway 19 by Rattlesnake Road. Claughton said he’s seen about “half a dozen” wind turbine fires over the years, but this is the first one he saw that sparked a grass . . . Complete story »
Wind turbine caught on fire in Arlington
Firefighters put out a fire in Arlington on Thursday that started from a wind turbine. Arlington Fire Chief said a wind turbine caught fire and spread to a nearby brush/grassland. The fire was estimated at 2,000 acres and fire crews were trying to stop the fire at Highway 19 and Rhea Road. No structures were threatened, but the fire burnt mostly grassland and 2 railroad trestles on the waste management line. Arlington is a city in Gilliam County, 50 miles . . . Complete story »
Windmill fire spreads to 2,000 acres near Arlington
ARLINGTON, Ore. – A fire caused by wind turbine was quickly put out Thursday night, according to firefighters. Arlington Fire says the fire burned 2,000 acres including railroad ties and three windmills on Highway 19. The fire burned mostly on private grazing land and no structures were threatened. Complete story »
Wind turbine sparks fire in Arlington
ARLINGTON, Ore. – A wind turbine caught fire Thursday, sparking a 2,000-acre wildfire, according to the North Gilliam Rural Fire Protection District. The turbine was on Rattlesnake Road and, according to firefighters, the fire jumped Highway 19, closing the road. Firefighters got the fire out but not before two railroad bridges were burned. No evacuations were needed. Complete story »
