Avangrid and Amazon Partner on Oregon Trail Solar Project to Power Data Centers and Support Regional Growth
Avangrid, Inc., a leading sustainable energy company and part of the global Iberdrola Group, announced a major milestone in its renewable energy portfolio with the signing of a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Amazon. Under the agreement, Avangrid will deliver energy from its newly planned Oregon Trail Solar project, a 57-megawatt direct current (MWdc) or 41-megawatt alternating current (MWac) facility. Located in Gilliam County, Oregon, the project is designed to provide clean, renewable energy that will directly support Amazon’s rapidly growing data center operations in the Pacific Northwest. The facility is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2027.
The announcement underscores Avangrid’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in Oregon while reinforcing its partnership with Amazon, one of the world’s largest corporate purchasers of renewable energy. By supplying clean electricity for data centers, the Oregon Trail Solar project represents a crucial step in helping Amazon advance its ambitious sustainability goals, including its target to power global operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025.
Strengthening Energy Infrastructure for the Future
In commenting on the announcement, Avangrid CEO Jose Antonio Miranda emphasized the broader significance of the agreement:
“This agreement reflects Amazon and Avangrid’s commitment to delivering reliable energy solutions that will help meet America’s growing energy needs and support the growth of critical infrastructure. Oregon Trail Solar builds on our strong presence in Oregon and deep partnership with Amazon, and we’re proud to help power the future with projects that bring lasting economic benefits to local communities, bolster our nation’s energy independence, and maximize energy production.”
By investing in projects such as Oregon Trail Solar, Avangrid is responding to the dual challenge of increasing demand for electricity—particularly from digital infrastructure like cloud computing and data centers—while simultaneously addressing the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions.
Expanding Partnership with Amazon
Oregon Trail Solar is not the first collaboration between Avangrid and Amazon in the Pacific Northwest. The project adds to an earlier agreement between the two companies involving the Leaning Juniper IIA repower project, also located in Gilliam County. Beyond Oregon, Avangrid and Amazon have worked together on renewable energy agreements in Illinois, Ohio, and North Carolina. These partnerships reflect a shared vision of accelerating the clean energy transition across the United States and ensuring that corporate growth is aligned with sustainability.
For Amazon, securing renewable energy through long-term PPAs is a key strategy to mitigate the carbon footprint of its data centers, logistics operations, and global retail presence. For Avangrid, such agreements provide a stable and predictable revenue stream that supports continued investment in large-scale renewable projects.
Economic and Community Benefits
In addition to supplying clean energy, the Oregon Trail Solar project is expected to deliver significant economic and community benefits. Construction alone is projected to generate around 200 jobs, with the majority filled by local union labor. This influx of employment opportunities will provide a short-term boost to the region’s economy and create pathways for skilled workers in renewable energy construction.
Once operational, Oregon Trail Solar will require ongoing maintenance and operations staff, creating new permanent jobs in the community. Over the project’s lifetime, Avangrid estimates it will contribute approximately $6 million in combined payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) and property taxes to Gilliam County. These funds will provide a steady source of revenue for public services such as schools, healthcare facilities, and local infrastructure, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
Sy Oytan, CEO of Avangrid Power, highlighted the company’s collaborative approach:
“Oregon Trail Solar is yet another example of how Avangrid works with local communities to build America’s energy future. With this new project, we are adding to our existing investments in Gilliam County and Oregon in a way that strengthens the region while producing electricity to help meet the growing energy demand across the country.”
Clean Energy at Scale
The Oregon Trail Solar facility will deploy more than 100,000 solar panels, generating enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of approximately 10,000 U.S. homes each year. By directly offsetting fossil fuel generation, the project will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while demonstrating how large-scale solar projects can serve as vital resources for powering high-demand sectors like technology and digital infrastructure.
For Oregon, the project aligns with state goals to expand renewable energy generation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The state has long been a leader in clean energy policy, and projects like Oregon Trail Solar reinforce its position as a hub for innovation in wind and solar power.
A Longstanding Presence in Oregon
Avangrid has deep roots in Oregon, where it has been investing in renewable energy for more than two decades. Its oldest project in the state dates back to 2001, and today, Avangrid operates more than 2.5 gigawatts of capacity in Oregon across multiple wind and solar sites. The company also maintains a major corporate office in Portland and operates the Avangrid National Training Center in neighboring Sherman County, where it develops and trains technicians to support renewable energy projects across the country.
By leveraging its existing workforce, infrastructure, and community partnerships, Avangrid is well-positioned to deliver the Oregon Trail Solar project efficiently while maximizing benefits for both Amazon and the local region.
