Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: Oregon

  • Trump administration wants electricity from ocean waves, not wind

    The PacWave South wave energy test site in Oregon has opened for companies to test technologies that generate electricity from ocean waves, despite hurdles created by the Trump administration for clean energy projects. The facility aims to advance the marine energy industry, which is carbon-free and has the potential to power a significant portion of U.S. electrical needs. The Energy Department has invested nearly $150 million in the facility and believes wave energy devices can enhance national security. The PacWave South site in Oregon is a grid-connected wave energy test site that is pre-permitted, allowing developers to bring various types of wave energy converters for testing without acquiring permits. These converters include point absorbers, oscillating water columns, and attenuators, crucial for the development of wave energy technology and addressing the bottleneck in the global industry.

    https://apnews.com/article/wave-wind-energy-offshore-oregon-trump-0199c3f42686e5804be70be432e239b4

  • Quaise Energy secures $134m for Project Obsidian

    Quaise Energy has secured $134m in Series B financing for Project Obsidian, a superhot geothermal power plant in Oregon with gigawatt-scale potential. Utilizing a millimetre wave drilling system, the project aims to deliver electricity to the grid by 2030 by accessing subterranean temperatures between 300°C and 500°C. The company plans to secure additional funding for the commercial deployment of their innovative technology, offering a promising solution for sustainable energy production.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/quaise-energy-project-obsidian/

  • Avangrid completes construction of Tower Solar project in Oregon

    Avangrid's Tower Solar project in Morrow County, Oregon, with a generation capacity of 166MW, has been completed and connected to the local power grid. The project, using over 250,000 solar panels from SEG Solar in Texas, will supply renewable energy to Portland General Electric and support QTS data center operations. Construction of Tower Solar created around 200 jobs for regional union workers and is expected to contribute $20m in tax payments. This project aligns with efforts to strengthen the domestic energy supply chain and support the growth of renewable energy installations in the region, showcasing the potential for job creation and economic benefits in the transition to clean energy.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/avangrid-completes-tower-solar/

  • Beyond Washington: Nine examples of local governments taking climate action

    State and city governments across the United States are taking bold climate action, leading the way in renewable energy expansion, ecosystem protection, and regenerative agriculture promotion as federal leadership falters. California and Vermont have set ambitious goals for renewable energy sourcing, while Chicago is transitioning to clean energy and carbon neutrality by 2050. States like Oregon and Massachusetts are implementing innovative conservation and food waste reduction policies, aligning with the One Earth Solutions Framework to combat climate change. These local efforts demonstrate the tangible results of determined action and serve as a blueprint for national and global climate solutions, emphasizing the importance of starting meaningful change at the local level.

    https://www.oneearth.org/nine-examples-of-local-governments-taking-climate-action/