Avangrid Completes Construction and Grid Connection of Oregon’s Tower Solar Project
Avangrid, a prominent energy company and part of the global Iberdrola Group, has announced the completion of construction activities for its Tower Solar project in Morrow County, Oregon. The company has successfully connected the solar facility to the regional electricity grid and is now progressing through the final commissioning stages. Commercial operations are expected to begin later this summer, marking another important milestone in Avangrid’s growing renewable energy portfolio across the United States.
The Tower Solar facility represents a significant investment in clean energy infrastructure and is designed to help meet the increasing demand for electricity in Oregon and the broader Pacific Northwest region. With a generating capacity of 166 megawatts direct current (MWdc), equivalent to 120 megawatts alternating current (MWac), the project will provide a substantial source of renewable electricity to support both residential and commercial energy needs.
The solar project features more than 250,000 photovoltaic panels manufactured and assembled by SEG Solar at the company’s production facility in Houston, Texas. By utilizing domestically manufactured solar equipment, the project supports the expansion of the American renewable energy supply chain while contributing to national manufacturing growth. Once fully operational, Tower Solar will provide renewable electricity to Portland General Electric (PGE) and support the energy requirements of QTS, a major provider of data center infrastructure operating in the region.
According to Avangrid leadership, the project demonstrates how large-scale renewable energy developments can address rising power demand while also delivering economic benefits to local communities and workers.
Jose Antonio Miranda, Chief Executive Officer of Avangrid, emphasized the importance of expanding energy generation capacity as electricity consumption continues to increase throughout the country.
He noted that demand for reliable power is growing rapidly across the United States, particularly in regions experiencing economic expansion and increased digital infrastructure development. Miranda highlighted that projects such as Tower Solar play a critical role in adding new generation resources to the grid while simultaneously creating jobs, supporting domestic manufacturing, and strengthening the nation’s energy infrastructure.
He also pointed out that investments in renewable energy facilities generate broader economic value by supporting American workers, encouraging industrial development, and providing dependable electricity needed to sustain long-term regional growth.
The project also reflects the growing role of U.S.-based solar manufacturing in the renewable energy sector. SEG Solar CEO Jim Wood stated that the company was proud to supply high-performance solar modules for the Tower Solar facility. He explained that the project aligns with SEG Solar’s commitment to strengthening domestic energy production capabilities and reducing reliance on overseas supply chains.
Wood added that the Avangrid company’s fully traceable and compliant solar products help meet growing energy needs while supporting American manufacturing jobs. By participating in projects like Tower Solar, SEG Solar aims to contribute to both the clean energy transition and the continued development of domestic industrial capacity.
Located west of Boardman, Oregon, the Tower Solar facility occupies approximately 900 acres of industrially zoned land owned by the Port of Morrow. The site was selected to take advantage of existing infrastructure and favorable conditions for solar power generation. The project adds another large-scale renewable energy asset to eastern Oregon, a region that has increasingly become a hub for clean energy development.
During the construction phase, the project generated approximately 200 jobs, providing valuable employment opportunities for workers in the region. Most of these positions were filled by union labor, reflecting Avangrid’s commitment to partnering with skilled local workers and labor organizations.
Travis Sellers, Business Manager for IBEW Local 112, praised the workforce involved in the project and highlighted the important role union labor played in delivering the facility safely and efficiently. He noted that members of IBEW Local 112 contributed their expertise, productivity, and commitment to quality throughout construction. Sellers also expressed satisfaction with the ongoing partnership between Avangrid, contractors, and labor organizations, emphasizing that the project will help provide reliable electricity for communities for many years to come.
Beyond job creation, the Tower Solar project is expected to generate meaningful economic benefits for local governments and residents. Avangrid estimates that the facility will contribute approximately $20 million through a combination of property taxes and payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) over its operating life. These revenues will support essential public services within the community, including schools, infrastructure, emergency services, and other local government programs.
The electricity generated by Tower Solar will be delivered to Portland General Electric’s network through the utility’s Green Future Impact (GFI) program. This voluntary initiative enables large commercial, industrial, and municipal customers to support the development of new renewable energy resources while advancing their sustainability objectives and reducing carbon emissions.
Through the GFI program, participating organizations can purchase energy from newly developed clean energy facilities without increasing costs for other utility customers. While all customers connected to the grid benefit from the additional renewable electricity generated, participating organizations cover the incremental costs associated with the renewable energy resources they choose to support.
The Tower Solar project further strengthens Avangrid’s position as one of the leading renewable energy developers and operators in North America. The company currently manages more than 11 gigawatts of installed generating capacity across a portfolio spanning 25 states. This portfolio includes nearly 100 renewable energy projects, encompassing wind, solar, and other clean energy technologies.
As commercial operations begin later this year, Tower Solar will contribute additional renewable generation capacity to the Pacific Northwest, supporting regional energy reliability, economic development, and long-term sustainability goals. The project serves as a clear example of how utility-scale solar investments can deliver environmental benefits while creating jobs, supporting local communities, and helping meet the growing demand for clean, dependable electricity.
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