Portland General Electric (PGE) recently announced the activation of three new battery projects that together provide a total of 475 MW/1.9 GWh of energy storage. This initiative aims to enhance reliability and stabilize electricity prices in the metropolitan area.
With these projects, PGE has increased its total battery storage capacity to 492 MW, marking a significant boost in their energy resources.
Darrington Outama, PGE’s senior director of energy supply, highlighted the importance of these energy storage systems. He stated that they help PGE create a more adaptable and dependable energy generation mix.
These batteries not only supply power during peak demand times but also help balance the energy supply and demand, making the grid more responsive to fluctuations, he explained.
The four-hour battery systems are strategically positioned at key substations in North Portland, Troutdale, and Hillsboro, Oregon. According to PGE, this will lessen the need for costly short-term electricity purchases and aid in the integration of renewable sources like wind and solar energy.
The new projects include:
- The 200-MW Seaside project in North Portland, developed by Eolian, began operations in July.
- The 200-MW Sundial project in Troutdale, developed by Eolian and managed by NextEra Energy Resources, started operating in December.
- The 75-MW Constable facility in Hillsboro, built for PGE by Mortenson, also became operational in December.
Both the Seaside and Sundial projects were selected through a request for proposals initiated by PGE in 2021.
Eolian CEO Aaron Zubaty emphasized that these battery systems, located at major substations, enhance the efficiency of existing high voltage transmission lines, thus avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades.
PGE also operates a 17 MW Coffee Creek Battery Storage system near Wilsonville, which began functioning in 2024.