The state of Oregon has advanced its sustainability efforts by approving the Sunstone Solar project, which will span about 10,000 acres in Morrow County.
Set to be the largest of its kind in the U.S., the project will use nearly 4 million solar panels to generate 1,200 megawatts of power—enough to provide clean, emission-free electricity to around 800,000 homes annually.
Developer to invest $11 million in support of local farmers
According to Ben Catt, CEO of Pine Gate Renewables, Oregon’s energy facility permitting process is among the most rigorous in the nation. The state has strict rules about where solar panels can be installed to protect the best farmland. However, projects like Sunstone Solar can obtain special permission if they demonstrate clear benefits to the area.
Having this in mind, Catt pointed out that the recent unanimous permit approval reflects the collaborative efforts between the project team…
