Photovoltaic technology converts energy radiating from the sun into electricity. Solar systems are located on homes, businesses, and large utility-scale arrays. From 2012 to 2020, solar generation in Oregon increased from 6,400 megawatt-hours to over 1 million MWh.

Generated electricity from a nuclear reactor where thermal energy is released from the fission of nuclear fuel. Oregon’s nuclear power comes from the Columbia Generating Station in Washington State, and the electricity produced is marketed by the Bonneville Power Administration.

Electricity generation harnessed from the flow of water through dams. Oregon has 105 hydropower facilities of varying size, including four federal facilities on the Columbia River that span the Oregon and Washington border, and two facilities that span the Oregon and Idaho border.

Generation of electricity by the force of wind turning turbines. As of 2020, Oregon has 54 operating facilities in the state with a total capacity of 4,203 MW.

Energy extracted from hot water or steam from natural underground sources can be used for water/space heating or the generation of electricity. Oregon has two geothermal electric generation facilities with a capacity of 24 MW.

Fossil fuel extracted from beneath the earth’s surface. Oregon has a single natural gas field located in Mist. Oregon imports most of the natural gas it consumes for electricity and as a direct fuel. There are 13 natural gas electricity generation facilities with a combined capacity of 4,354 MW. Natural gas is used directly for residential, commercial, industrial and transportation uses.

Combustible rock is burned for industrial processes and to create electricity. Oregon had one coal-fired power plant, the 575-MW Boardman facility, which closed in October 2020 and was demolished in September 2022. The state also imports coal-generated electricity from neighboring states.

Includes all renewable biogas and biofuels derived from the energy of plants and animals. Wood and wood waste is Oregon’s greatest source of biomass, which is used for space heating, cooking, electricity generation, and transportation. Oregon has 11 biomass and 30 biogas operating facilities converting waste products to electricity. Oregon also produces plant-derived ethanol fuel and biodiesel from used cooking oil to be used as transportation fuels.

Fossil fuel extracted from beneath the earth’s crust that includes gasoline, diesel, heating oil, lubricants, and other fuels we use for space heating, industrial equipment, and transportation. Oregon imports the petroleum that it uses.