Oregon is well-known for its incredible agricultural sector – filberts, hops, cherries, peppermint, milk products, hay, wine grapes, onions, and much more support local communities across the state. According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s annual statistics book, more than 37,000 farms are spread across 16 million Oregon acres, growing or raising more than 200 products valued at over $5 billion. Oregon agricultural producers use energy for a variety of needs, including powering vehicles and equipment, irrigating fields, cleaning or chilling products, and many other uses.
Read MoreIn this month’s newsletter, ODOE launches a new incentive program to support heat pumps in Oregon rental homes, re-launches the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program with a new $10 million investment, tracks a contamination concern at the Hanford Nuclear Site, and more.
Read MoreIn May, the Oregon Department of Energy welcomed Sarah Moehrke to the team as a new Community Navigator for the agency. Sarah’s role is to help communities – who may not have the built-in staff or budget – get connected to programs and funding that are available to them. This month, Sarah joined some colleagues for meetings and discussions with Eastern Oregon communities to begin making important connections. Read more from Sarah in her own words.
Read MoreThe Oregon Department of Energy’s popular Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program will continue providing rebates for solar or solar and paired energy storage systems after an additional $10 million investment by the Oregon Legislature.
Read MoreThe 2023 Legislative Session wrapped up on June 25 and made important investments in energy and climate. Across four bills, the Oregon Department of Energy will add several new programs and obligations – and over time, about two dozen new staff to support that work. We’re excited to hit the ground running to implement this new work.
Read MoreIn this month’s newsletter, ODOE announces 39 grant recipients for renewable energy and resilience projects, begins recruiting contractors for the Oregon Rental Home Heat Pump Program, reflects on the 2023 Legislative Session, publishes the latest Grounded podcast episode, and more.
Read MoreRental homes are typically less energy efficient than owner-occupied homes, and renters usually can’t make significant energy efficiency improvements – such as installing high-efficiency appliances, new windows, or improved insulation – because they don’t own the property. National and local efforts are working to increase access so renters can benefit from improved efficiency.
Read MoreThe Oregon Department of Energy has selected 39 recipients to receive a total of $12 million in Community Renewable Energy Grant Program funds. The program supports planning and construction of renewable energy or energy resilience projects for Tribes, public bodies, and consumer-owned utilities.
Read MoreIn this month’s newsletter, ODOE looks at who will build Oregon's clean energy future, provides expertise for international energy efficiency code efforts, practices our response to a potential nuclear emergency at Hanford, and more.
Read MoreIn this month’s newsletter, the Oregon Global Warming Commission publishes a new roadmap of climate actions, a deadline approaches for ODOE's Energy Efficient Wildfire Rebuilding Incentive, the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub applies for federal funding, and more.
Read MoreThe Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association submitted its full Funding Opportunity Application to the U.S. Department of Energy today in a bid to become one of the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Up to $1 billion in federal funding is at stake, with the potential for tens of thousands of jobs associated with a successful hub proposal in the Pacific Northwest.
Read MoreIn this month’s newsletter, ODOE is accepting applications from regional administrators for our heat pump deployment program, celebrating the first electric school bus supported by Public Purpose Charge funds, meeting the next generation of energy experts, and more.
Read MoreOn March 21, Oregon Department of Energy Director Janine Benner served as a presenter and judge for the 2023 Oregon Coast Renewable Energy Challenge in Newport. Students from elementary and middle schools along the coast created their own solar and wind projects to compete for best design.
Read MoreIn this month’s newsletter, ODOE heads to the Capitol for the 2023 Legislative Session, recruits Regional Administrators for a new heat pump deployment program, talks long-duration energy storage and wind turbine recycling, invites Oregonians to a Biennial Energy Report webinar, and more.
Read MoreSome energy grid planners and utilities have identified a need for energy storage resources that can provide energy to the grid for longer durations. In the Oregon Department of Energy’s 2022 Biennial Energy Report, we dive into what long-duration energy storage might look like, and highlight an Oregon-grown company looking to forge a path for long-duration storage.
Read MoreOregon’s first utility-scale wind facility began operation in 2001 – today, more than a dozen wind facilities are in operation or under construction in the state. As wind facilities begin to age or produce less power, what happens to the materials – wood, fiberglass, and metals – that make up the turbines?
Read MoreIn this month’s newsletter, ODOE begins accepting applications for a second round of grants, highlights the basics about heat pump technology and upcoming programs, welcomes a new Energy Facility Siting Council member, and more.
Read MoreThe Oregon Department of Energy is now accepting applications for the second round of funding through the agency’s Community Renewable Energy Grant Program. ODOE is making $12 million available to support planning and construction of renewable energy or energy resilience projects for Tribes, public bodies, and consumer-owned utilities.
Read MoreWe’re kicking off 2023 by looking back at some highlights from the past year. Thanks for being part of our work — cheers to a new year working together toward a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable energy future!
Read MoreThe 2021 Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act are making unprecedented investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas reduction activities around the country. The Oregon Department of Energy is working hard to ensure that Oregon is well-positioned to receive and leverage this funding in support of the state’s energy policies and priorities – and to do so in a way that improves the lives of Oregonians.
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