Implementing the Oregon Energy Strategy

Report on Reducing Barriers to Clean Energy Deployment

EO 25-29 directs ODOE to examine barriers to the development of large-scale renewable energy projects in Oregon. This report will examine why some projects have not moved forward despite receiving site certificates and seek to recommend solutions for similar projects.

The Oregon Energy Strategy recognizes there is a need for the state to facilitate energy infrastructure enhancement and expansion while avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating negative impacts on energy burden, natural and working lands, Tribal cultural resources, and communities. Executive Order 25-29 directs the Oregon Department of Energy to report by September 1, 2026, on barriers to the permitting, construction and interconnection of large-scale renewable energy projects in Oregon. This furthers implementation of the Oregon Energy Strategy, including Electricity Action 5’s suggested report on barriers to permitted projects. ODOE seeks to recommend actions to overcome barriers while balancing opportunities for public participation with the state’s interest in accelerating deployment of clean energy infrastructure that benefits Oregonians.

Engagement

ODOE will be seeking public input on both this report and also the Report on Siting and Permitting Large-Scale Electricity Infrastructure and is interested in hearing from those who have worked to develop large-scale energy facilities in Oregon, engaged in the development process, or who have ideas how to improve these processes. The first public comment period is expected to open on February 17, 2026, and run until 5 PM on Friday, March 20, 2026. This will not be the only opportunity to provide input. ODOE will hold a listening session to receive oral comments and information on how to attend will be posted on this webpage. After the first round of public comments, ODOE will review comments and prepare draft reports to share for a second round of public comments. Sign up to receive email notices about future comment opportunities.

ODOE currently expects both reports to focus on commercially available technologies like wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems. ODOE expects the Report on Siting and Permitting Large-Scale Electricity Infrastructure will also focus on transmission lines. Both studies will focus on developments of a type and size to be subject to EFSC’s jurisdiction and review processes. Neither study will focus on emerging technologies or transmission corridors, which are the focus of other workstreams for ODOE under Executive Order 25-29.

Upcoming Opportunities

  • Materials will be posted in advance.