Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Speedway Solar Project is a utility-scale solar energy and battery storage project aiming to harness renewable energy in Sherman County, OR. The project spans roughly 9,500 acres and is expected to generate 900MW of carbon free clean energy. The project is being developed by Brookfield Renewable US, a global leader in clean energy investments.

  • The project is located not far from an operating racetrack just outside of Grass Valley, Oregon.

  • Photovoltaic (PV) solar modules, which are made from nonhazardous glass and silicon cells, 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 in large batteries for later use when demand is high or during periods of low renewable energy production. They are a safe and increasingly important part of utility scale renewable energy projects.

  • With wide open spaces and lots of sunshine, this region is perfect for solar projects. More specifically, with this project location, we are adjacent to an existing high-voltage transmission line — which means we can develop this project with limited impact to the surrounding landscape. Beyond the design advantages of this location, we have numerous supportive landowners with large tracts that are well suited for solar development so our team is eager to collaborate with Sherman County leaders and stakeholders to ensure this project is a success.

  • We are thrilled to be working throughout the Pacific Northwest. Brookfield currently owns and operates the Shepherd’s Flat Wind Farm in Arlington, Oregon and has recently completed construction on the Goose Prairie Solar project in Moxee, WA.

  • Electricity produced by the project will enter the grid through a new Bonneville Power Administration switchyard that will be built on private property within the project area and be used throughout Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.

  • Speedway solar is a large project that will employ hundreds of people but given that the implementation is still several years away there are lots of logistics that still need to be worked out before we will be able to provide specifics.  Brookfield prioritizes the use of local labor and we will work with our contractors to ensure there are opportunities for both local companies and individual tradespeople alike. As the development process advances, we will provide updates to better define the projects schedule as well as contracting and hiring opportunities.

  • Brookfield’s significant investment in this community will enhance the county’s financial resiliency and provide reliable economic benefits to local families for decades to come. Tax revenue from this project will support shared priorities like schools, roads, and law enforcement. Revenue forecasts are under development and will be shared publicly when available.

  • The land on which this project will be developed is owned by local private landowners. This project represents an opportunity for the next generation of Sherman County families to uphold the region’s legacy of natural resource stewardship without sacrificing its proud agricultural heritage. Once the project reaches the end of its functional life, all of the equipment will be removed and recycled, and the land will be returned to the landowners in the same condition that it exists today such that it can once again be used for agricultural purposes.

  • We aim to be good neighbors in every community that we operate in, and we have a track record to show for it, including in Oregon. We began community engagement for this project before our Notice of Intent was filed and will continue engaging with the Sherman County community through various channels, including collaboration with local organizations, stakeholder meetings, and digital information-sharing.  Brookfield is a long-term owner operator of renewable projects. We don’t “develop and flip” like many other project sponsors so establishing a long term, mutually beneficial, relationship is very important to us.

    If you have a question about the project, please reach out to the team any time: speedwaysolar@brookfieldrenewable.com.

  • Yes. Politics aside, our planet is seeing stronger and more frequent storms.  Hard data supports the fact that reducing carbon emissions is critical to preserving the natural environment as we know it. Further, to ensure the long-term resiliency of our electric grid, Oregon has set bold goals around new renewable energy generation targets. The Speedway project will help us reach those goals.  It is proposed on private property where landowners want it and will utilize existing infrastructure to ensure that it provides some of the most cost-effective electricity that can be generated today.

  • This project will be developed entirely on private property. Once the project reaches the end of its functional like, all the equipment will be removed and recycled, and the land will be returned to the landowners in essentially the same condition that it exists today such that it can once again be used for agricultural purposes. That means this land will be protected for future generations. Currently, the land is primarily used to grow dryland wheat while some in enrolled in CRP.  This project will not impact higher value irrigated lands.

    By providing a productive, low-impact use for the land now, the solar facility also prevents the land from being sold for much higher impact uses such as residential development which creates major impacts on schools, roads, utilities, municipal services and watersheds.

  • The project is not located within the state big game winter range habitat. Additionally, solar panels will not be installed in any identified wildlife corridors and avoids sensitive areas like wetlands and drainages.

  • Studies examining the property values of residential homes located adjacent to or with views of solar farms have not found that home values are negatively affected by solar facilities. There is no reason to expect a decrease in property values for homes in proximity to the Speedway project.

    Studies:

    • Kirkland, Richard C. Grandy Solar Impact Study. Kirkland Appraisals, 25 Feb. 2016, kirklandapprasials.com.

    • Lines, Andrew. "Property Impact Study: Solar Farms in Illinois." Mcleancounty.gov, Nexia International, 7 Aug. 2018.

    • McGarr, Patricia. Property Value Impact Study. Cohn Reznick LLP Valuation Advisory Services, 2 May 2018.

  • Elk, deer, birds, and other game will still be able to migrate through the property via established wildlife corridors. The project will not limit hunting or other recreational opportunities in the broader area.

  • 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) permitting 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 well managed.

  • Speedway will integrate into the existing landscape to the greatest extend possible, while respecting the existing wildlife habitats and facilitating agricultural continuity. We are working with the local tribes, environmental experts, and others to identify any concerns through field studies.

    We also understand concerns around impacts to views. In addition to the wildlife and agricultural corridors, the project is designed not only to maximize the energy output, but to also 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 the landowners in its original condition to use as they see fit at that time.

  • Emergency response plans will be in place to address wildfire risks and ensure the safety of the project and surrounding areas.

  • We welcome your input, questions, and concerns. We will endeavor to ensure that the community is aware of opportunities to engage with the project team throughout the process — and you should feel free to reach out to us any time: speedwaysolar@brookfieldrenewable.com.