Deschutes Solar and Storage Project

The Deschutes Solar Project is a utility-scale solar energy and battery storage project in Wasco County that will generate approximately 1,000MW of clean, reliable energy. The project spans 10,000 acres, although the footprint will be smaller. The project is being developed by BrightNight Power, the first renewable integrated power company designed to provide utility and commercial and industrial customers with clean, dispatchable renewable power solutions.

Photovoltaic (PV) solar modules — which are made from nonhazardous glass and silicone —convert light from the sun into electricity. That electricity powers everything from homes and grocery stores to mills, factories, schools, and hospitals.

Battery storage works by storing electricity generated from the solar panels for later use when demand is high or during periods of low renewable energy production. They are a safe and essential component of utility scale renewable energy projects.

The electricity generated by the project will be fed into the grid through a newly constructed Bonneville Power Administration substation and distributed across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

BrightNight’s substantial investment in this community will strengthen the county’s financial resilience and deliver reliable economic benefits for years to come. The project is designed to generate millions of dollars in local tax revenue, directly supporting essential priorities such as infrastructure upgrades, education, and emergency services, as well as shared goals like enhancing local schools, roads, and law enforcement. Revenue projections are currently being developed and will be shared publicly as they become available.

We intentionally began community engagement for this project well before we planned to submit a Notice of Intent, so that we can ensure strong partnerships with local tribes, first responders, economic development organizations, neighbors, community leaders, workforce representatives, and more. We plan to host community meetings to serve as an open line of communication with anyone interested in learning more about our work in Wasco County.

Solar facilities produce almost no sound once they’re operational. A noise analysis will be performed as part of the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) process, and we expect to work with the community to ensure construction noise is limited and well within an acceptable range.

Once the project is complete, traffic in and out of the facility will be very minimal. And while this project will entail construction traffic, we will work with the county and local transportation experts to ensure that the flow of traffic is efficient and maintained.

We are working with the local tribes, environmental experts, and others to identify any concerns through ongoing, comprehensive field studies. We’ll publish the results of those studies when they are completed.

We also understand concerns around impacts to views. In addition to the wildlife and agricultural considerations, the project is designed not to maximize the energy output, but to conform to the local landscape as seamlessly as possible.

Solar projects are typically active for 25-35 years, at which point the land is returned to its original use.

Emergency response plans have been developed to address wildfire risks, prioritizing the protection of homes and properties before considering potential project impacts. Our team is dedicated to creating a comprehensive wildfire mitigation strategy in collaboration with fire experts, including planning project roads with SWCD to serve as effective firebreaks. This strategy will also involve training construction personnel, first responders, and other stakeholders on best practices for managing wildfire risks near solar facilities.

The project’s timeline is designed to allow for thorough local outreach, regulatory reviews, and site preparation, beginning with community engagement, field testing and pre-construction phases in 2024.

In Q1 2025, we expect to file a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) as part of the Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) process. This phase includes a Public Information Meeting, allowing additional public input.

In Q3 2025, the preliminary application for the EFSC Site Certificate will be submitted, initiating a detailed review process that will conclude in Q2 2027. The Final Order and Site Certificate are expected by Q2-Q3 2027, and our Commercial Operations Date will be approximately Q4 2028-Q2 2029.

Recognizing the vital role of local Fire and EMS services, many of which rely on volunteers and part-time staff, we are partnering with local officials to provide financial support that addresses both immediate and long-term needs, strengthening their ability to serve the community effectively.
We are also actively working with local Fire and EMS departments to develop a coordinated response plan for wildfires and other emergency events. Through ongoing discussions, we are building a shared strategy to ensure alignment and preparedness for effective emergency response.
While we anticipate minimal demand on local Fire and EMS services during testing, construction, and after project completion, we remain committed to close collaboration with these departments to ensure swift and efficient action in the event of an emergency.