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Portland General Electric's New Wind Farm: A Record-Breaking Contribution

Wesley ParkWednesday, Nov 13, 2024 1:30 pm ET
4min read
Portland General Electric (PGE) has recently added a new wind farm to its portfolio, the Clearwater Wind Energy Center, and the results are nothing short of remarkable. This facility, located in Eastern Montana, has significantly bolstered PGE's wind generation capacity, contributing to new records for the company. Let's delve into the details of this impressive achievement and explore its implications for Oregon's renewable energy goals and carbon reduction targets.

The Clearwater Wind Energy Center, a joint venture between PGE and NextEra Energy Resources, boasts a capacity of 311 megawatts. This facility generates around 34% of PGE's daily wind output, playing a crucial role in the company's goal of reducing emissions from its retail power supply by 80% by 2030 and achieving complete carbon neutrality by 2040. The wind farm's consistent generation, driven by Montana's abundant and consistent winds, allows PGE to serve Oregon customers additional reliable clean energy during periods of high demand.

The Clearwater Wind Energy Center's contribution to PGE's wind generation capacity has been nothing short of extraordinary. In January 2024, PGE's owned and contracted wind facilities produced a maximum output of more than one gigawatt of wind power for the first time, thanks in large part to the addition of the Clearwater Wind Energy Center. This milestone was achieved again on another 25 days throughout 2024, including on February 26, when PGE reached its all-time record for maximum wind generation at 1,056 megawatts.



The Clearwater Wind Energy Center's addition to PGE's generation portfolio not only reduces the need to purchase potentially costly or greenhouse gas-emitting resources from the open energy market but also takes advantage of federal Production Tax Credits available to renewable energy projects. Furthermore, the wind center's construction and ongoing operations have generated jobs and revenue for the local community, supporting local economies in Montana.

In conclusion, Portland General Electric's new wind farm, the Clearwater Wind Energy Center, has made a significant contribution to record-high wind generation for Oregon customers. This facility, along with other renewable energy projects in the Pacific Northwest, adds diversity and consistency to PGE's energy portfolio, allowing the company to source power for customers when it's available from a variety of resource types and locations. As PGE continues to invest in renewable energy, it is well on its way to achieving its clean energy goals and reducing emissions, ultimately benefiting both its customers and the environment.
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