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Oregon Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Oregon — updated daily.
Recent Oregon data center news
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Apple to invest more than $500B in US manufacturing
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It's time to GETs going... on transmission!
Oregon has enacted legislation mandating a transition to 80% clean electricity by 2030 and 100% by 2040. This shift is predominantly facilitated by Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, which delivered over half of their electricity from fossil fuels in 2021. As demand surges, driven by AI and electrification, upgrading transmission capacity through Grid Enhancing Technologies (GETs) becomes pivotal. The Oregon Legislature has an opportunity to advance this transition with proposed legislation, HB 3336.
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Building Together: AWS and Suffolk Construction
US-based Amazon Web Services (AWS) has committed $1.2 million to expand its renewable energy initiatives in eastern Oregon. The investment will fund a community solar energy program that aims to install rooftop solar systems on nonprofit organizations and community facilities. This project is expected to enhance the local tree canopy and biodiversity while supporting the community’s sustainability goals. The initiative marks AWS’s ongoing commitment to clean energy and environmental stewardship in the region.
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Apple to invest more than $500B in US manufacturing
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Global Solar Growth to Stabilize at 493 GW in 2025, Predicts Wood Mackenzie
Global solar sector recorded 495 GWdc installed capacity in 2024, reflecting a 14% year-on-year increase. Wood Mackenzie predicts new installations will stabilize at 493 GWdc in 2025. Rising electricity demand from U.S. data centers will be a key driver. Solar panel prices are expected to rise to $0.15/W FOB China, unseen since 2021, due to market stabilization efforts from major manufacturers. Despite challenges faced by China, which dominates solar manufacturing, other regions like India and the Middle East are ramping up production to cut reliance on Chinese imports.
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Multibillion-dollar data center projects to watch
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Largest solar and energy storage project in U.S. achieves regulatory approval
US-based Pine Gate Renewables has received final approval from the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council for SunStone Solar, set to be Oregon’s largest solar project. The 1.2 GW solar facility with 1.2 GW/7.2 GWh energy storage will be built on 9,442 acres in Morrow County, featuring transmission lines, substations, and maintenance buildings. Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
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Climate Change Solutions - October 8, 2024
EESI updates emissions reduction methods, promotes COP29 events, and seeks new hires in communications.
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Interregional power transfer capability ranges from 1% to 92% across North America: NERC
NERC’s draft analysis reveals significant variance in interregional power transfer capability across North America, ranging from 1% to 92%, with highest capabilities in West Coast, Great Lakes, and Mid-Atlantic regions and lower in Mountain states, Southeast, and Northeast. A final report will be submitted to FERC by Dec. 2, 2023.
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Data center, AI load growth could threaten grid reliability: Conference Board
Data center and AI energy consumption are projected to soar, potentially straining grid reliability. Companies like Accelsius offer innovative direct-to-chip cooling systems to boost efficiency. Concerns arise over the impact on net-zero goals and utilities’ ability to meet demands, with some exploring collaborations, such as Public Service Enterprise Group’s talks with data centers for nuclear power.