New sources of power and jobs for Oregonians
PGE helped develop Oregon’s Renewable Energy Standard, signed into law by Gov. Kulongoski in 2007. This landmark legislation sets a “25 by 25” benchmark, requiring Oregon’s largest utilities to acquire 25 percent of their electricity from new, renewable energy sources by 2025. Our Integrated Resource Plan calls for an increasing reliance on wind and other renewables and a greater focus on energy efficiency and clean technology projects to make current sources, such as hydroelectric, even more sustainable.
Learn more about PGE’s renewable energy leadership in the following areas:
The strength of wind
Our Clean WindSM and Green SourceSM renewable power programs consistently rank first in the nation, offering customers the option to buy some or all of their power from renewable resources. Both rely largely on wind power, including that from the new Biglow Canyon Wind Farm. The first wind farm wholly owned and operated by PGE, Biglow Canyon will produce 450 MW when all phases are complete, making it one of the region’s largest wind power projects.
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Solar hot spot
Developing solar industry
Recent announcements of moves or expansions to Oregon by solar manufacturers Solaicx, Solarworld AG and Sanyo boost the state’s growing reputation as a hot spot for the emerging renewable energy industry. PGE is working closely with state and regional representatives to welcome these businesses and make Oregon the state for solar.
Pioneering solar projects
In 2008, PGE and its partners rolled out the largest solar project in the Pacific Northwest. The project, using thin-film solar panels installed on the rooftops of three warehouses in northeast Portland, is now producing up to 1.1 MW of electricity for PGE customers.
PGE and partners also created the nation’s first Solar Highway demonstration project, operating since December 2008. A joint effort from PGE, the Oregon Department of Transportation and U.S. Bank, the 105-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system at the interchange between Interstate 5 and Interstate 205 south of Portland produces 112,000 kWh annually, or 28 percent of the energy used to light the interchange.
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Plugging in to electric vehicles
Oregon is one of the first states in the nation with public electric vehicle charging stations. That’s why auto manufacturers Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Mitsubishi chose Oregon and PGE as partners in launching zero-emissions vehicles and developing an electric-vehicle charging network to promote their use. These firms will provide Oregon’s state fleet with some of the first electric vehicles it brings to the commercial market in 2010.
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Biomass
Biomass generation technologies use plants and organic matter to generate electricity. These resources may be burned directly or converted into another fuel before being used. PGE’s renewable products use only two sources of biomass: wood and landfill gas; they do not include electricity derived from burning municipal solid waste.
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Smart grid
PGE is currently working on installing smart meters across our service territory. These next-generation meters will be read remotely by PGE, helping us and our customers manage energy use, enhancing customer service and reducing operating expenses. The 18-month installation process is slated for completion by late 2010.
The new system is also expected to support the future development of such programs as demand response — a pricing structure program that encourages customers to use energy at less expensive times of the day, when the peak demand is lower; and direct load control programs — a program in which customers would agree to permit the utility to turn off certain appliances for limited periods when demand is high. These types of programs will reduce the need for new generation resources to meet peak demand.
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Emerging technologies
PGE is also exploring technologies of the future with cutting edge experiments to insure that Oregon is home to clean technology and creating jobs in Oregon.
Algae
A cutting-edge experiment launched at our Boardman Power Plant in eastern Oregon could help reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired electric generating stations nationwide. PGE and Columbia Energy Partners tested whether algae grown at Boardman can turn carbon dioxide and other emissions into biofuels and livestock feed.
Biogas
On the Cal-Gon dairy farm in Salem, PGE operates a facility that converts more than 20 tons of cow manure into energy each day. Manure enters a digester where it releases methane gas, which fires a generator on the farm, feeding up to 70 kilowatts of renewable electricity directly to PGE customers. Leftover materials are processed into relatively odor-free fibers and liquids that can be used for nursery or farm soil applications. PGE hopes this system will eventually be cost-competitive with other renewable resources like wind turbines and solar power.
Wave energy
PGE is helping to fund research through Oregon State University to determine how the power of waves can be harnessed for electricity in a way that minimizes any disruption to coastal habitats and fishing industries. PGE is keeping close tabs on this and other new technologies.
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