November 2022 Newsletter
Oregon Department of Energy Report Highlights Pathways for Oregon's Energy Future
ODOE published our 2022 Biennial Energy Report this month, featuring fundamental information and data about energy in Oregon, highlights of emerging resources and technologies, and deeper dives into challenging policy questions. How do we renew focus on energy efficiency? What workforce and supply chain challenges are facing Oregon’s energy sector? How do we chart a course for Oregon’s energy future? Like past editions, the 2022 report was shaped by a data-driven process, equity considerations, and input from energy stakeholders and the public.
New this year alongside the report is an online, interactive energy history timeline that shows how Oregon’s energy systems have evolved over time, from harnessing the state’s various natural resources to human events like technology development and energy crises. The timeline also shares events that significantly affected Oregon’s Tribes, the original inhabitants of the area. Among the many events along the timeline are actions and policy choices that Oregon’s leaders and communities have made in response to changing times, like stronger clean energy policies or a focus on electric vehicle adoption.
Partnered with the report’s energy topics are several local stories that highlight the best of Oregon. Lane Community College is training the next generation of energy workers through its Energy Management-Building Controls Program, which focuses on commercial building energy efficiency with optional additional coursework in sustainability and solar energy system design. Oregon-based ESS Tech, Inc. is working to bring more long-duration energy storage to the market to help further accelerate the clean energy transition. TriMet continues to be a leader for cleaner public transit, and is now using renewable diesel to power its fleet of more than 7,000 fixed-route buses.
We look forward to sharing the report with Oregon leaders, energy stakeholders, and the community. Oregonians are invited to ask questions, provide feedback, or request a report presentation for their organization or community group.
The 2022 Biennial Energy Report is available in its entirety and by section at https://energyinfo.oregon.gov/ber.
New ODOE Study Outlines Potential for Renewable Hydrogen in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Energy published a new report on renewable hydrogen – what it is, how it’s made, what it might cost, and where it might best fit within the vision of a decarbonized economy in Oregon and beyond.
The 2021 Oregon Legislature directed ODOE to complete the study, including hydrogen’s current use in Oregon and the potential opportunities and barriers to increasing production and use.
Most of the hydrogen used worldwide today is produced using fossil fuels (mostly natural gas and coal). About 94 million tons of hydrogen was produced globally in 2021, resulting in emissions of over 900 million metric tons of CO2, or about the same amount of emissions as worldwide commercial aviation in 2019.
However, renewable hydrogen can be produced using renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas using an electrolyzer – and there is unprecedented interest in renewable hydrogen for its potential to address climate change. ODOE’s study finds that the likeliest end uses for renewable hydrogen in Oregon by 2030 will be, in relative order of value: as a substitute for fossil hydrogen, to create high-temperature heat for industry, as a medium- and heavy-duty transportation fuel, in production of chemicals (including fertilizer), as energy storage, as back-up power, for electricity generation, and for blending into the natural gas pipeline.
To strategically take advantage of renewable hydrogen to meet the state’s clean energy and climate goals, ODOE recommends creating a renewable hydrogen roadmap as part of development of a larger statewide energy strategy.
Learn more and read the report on ODOE’s website.
RARE AmeriCorps Member Joins ODOE as Liaison to Eastern Oregon Communities
This fall, the Oregon Department of Energy welcomed Angela Singleton to the team as a member of the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program.
Angela is a native Oregonian who grew up in rural Clackamas County on a 50-acre cattle farm. She earned a B.S. in environmental science from Portland State University and just recently, a M.S. in Public Administration. Angela’s work now centers in Northeast Oregon, and her favorite part about living there is exploring downtown Pendleton and enjoying artisanal chocolate from Alexander’s and Arrowhead. Angela has a background and experience in general natural resource management, and is excited to learn more and educate others about Oregon’s energy programs and planning at the Oregon Department of Energy.
Angela will work with ODOE over the next year and serve as a liaison between local government, tribes, and residents interested in energy incentives and community energy planning – including implementing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resilience projects and investments. ODOE has several incentive programs available to Oregon communities. Angela will help those in Eastern Oregon learn more about what is available to them and how to access funding to support energy projects. Working with local partners, we’re dedicated to creating a “one-stop-shop” model by connecting communities with incentives and funding, and supporting local engagement focused on rural cities, Tribes, and environmental justice communities.
The RARE Program is administered through the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement. The program recruits trained graduates to help connect rural communities with resources that can improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions. RARE members gain hands-on experience in project management and planning, and develop technical skills while serving their communities.
Grounded Podcast: Energy Trust of Oregon with Margie Harris
In the third episode of our special Grounded podcast series of Oregon energy history conversations, host Erica Zeigler sits down with Margie Harris, Energy Trust of Oregon's founding Executive Director. Margie was the first permanent staff member hired by Energy Trust in 2001. Listen in and hear about the early days of the organization and how they shaped Oregon's energy history.
This episode is part of a series that contributes to ODOE's new Energy History Timeline – an online, interactive tool that we developed alongside the 2022 Biennial Energy Report. The ODOE team collected dozens of photographs, stories, videos, and more to create a truly insightful and informative journey through Oregon’s energy history and present. Check it out online.
Reports from Around the Agency
Join our team! Check out open recruitments on our website and please share with your networks.
ODOE has posted a request for information to help inform development of a new Federal Grid-Resilience Grant Program. The program will provide grants to Oregon electric utilities for grid infrastructure improvement projects and workforce development. The request for information is targeted to Oregon utilities and can be found online on Oregon Buys (Bid # S-33000-00005000)
ODOE will hold two rulemaking hearings online for our heat pump programs on January 5. A hearing on the Community Heat Pump Deployment Program rules will be held from 2 - 3 p.m., followed by a hearing on the Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump Program from 3 - 4 p.m. More information and log-in details are available online.
Did you know ODOE's Energy Facility Siting Team manages a robust compliance program for state-jurisdiction energy facilities? ODOE staff regularly conduct site inspections to ensure facilities are meeting the conditions of their site certificates. Learn more about the compliance program on our website.
On November 10, ODOE Assistant Director for Nuclear Safety and Emergency Preparedness Max Woods and Emergency Preparedness Manager Deanna Henry were pleased to serve as guest lecturers for Portland State University's Civil and Environmental Engineering Department class on Lifeline Systems and Disasters. Deanna and Max shared information on the Oregon Fuel Action Plan and Oregon's forthcoming Energy Security Plan. Learn more about ODOE's safety and resilience work.
The Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association submitted its concept paper to the U.S. Department of Energy this month for potential federal funding to support a hydrogen hub project in the Pacific Northwest. ODOE Director Janine Benner serves as Vice-Chair on the association's board. Next up, the association will work on a final application to U.S. DOE for submission in the spring. Learn more on the association's website.
ODOE was proud to sponsor the 2022 Oregon Solar + Storage Conference earlier this month. Hosted by the Oregon Solar + Storage Industries Association, the conference covered all things solar and energy storage in Oregon. ODOE experts presented on ODOE's incentive programs, the Oregon Renewable Energy Siting Assessment project, and Oregon's path to a clean energy future.
ODOE Facilities Engineer Blake Shelide and Energy Analyst Roger Kainu joined The Real Estate Show, a local radio show out of Southern Oregon, to discuss Oregon energy code and home energy scoring programs. Listen online!
On November 5, Technology and Policy Manager Jessica Reichers presented on coastal energy resilience at the 2022 Oregon Sea Grant State of the Coast Conference in Newport.
ODOE Director Janine Benner connected with county leaders to talk about our agency's current programs and projects at the 2022 Association of Oregon Counties Annual Conference in Eugene
Oregon Department of Energy Radiological Emergency Planning Coordinator Mark Reese was recently elected to be co-chair of the Western Interstate Energy Board Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Transportation Advisory Group. The WIEB WIPP TAG is a group of western state nuclear waste transportation officials, like Mark, who are involved in the movement of defense-generated transuranic waste to the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, a repository mined in salt in New Mexico. Learn more on our blog.
The application period for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s new Oregon Zero-Emission Fueling Infrastructure Grant program is now open through January 15, 2023. Individuals, businesses, and public agencies are invited to apply for financial assistance from DEQ’s one-time $15 million program to support installation of new charging facilities for zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks, buses, and equipment.
The Oregon Global Warming Commission is working to finalize its Biennial Report to the Legislature and a report on the Roadmap to 2035. The Commission will meet next on December 16. Learn more at www.keeporegoncool.org.
ODOE currently has four incentive programs up and running, including the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, the Rural & Agricultural Energy Audit Program, Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, and Energy Efficient Wildfire Rebuilding. Learn more about our energy incentives on ODOE's website.
Did you know ODOE's Energy Facility Siting Team is currently reviewing about a dozen proposed or amended energy facilities? From wind to solar facilities – to combined wind, solar, and storage facilities – you can learn more about the state's process and how to get involved on our website. You can also sign up to receive a monthly facility siting update showing the latest and greatest.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Oregon Global Warming Commission | December 16, 2022 | Via Webinar
Energy Facility Siting Council | December 16, 2022 | Salem & Webinar
Energy Code Stakeholder Panel | December 13, 2022 | Via Webinar
Other Stakeholder Groups (click to see details)
Current Rulemakings (click to see details)
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