GILLIAM COUNTY, Ore. – Avangrid Inc., part of the Iberdrola Group, has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Amazon for its upcoming Oregon Trail Solar project, a renewable energy facility designed to power Amazon’s data centers in the Pacific Northwest.
Project Overview
The Oregon Trail Solar facility will have a 57-megawatt direct-current (42 megawatts alternating current) capacity and will be located in Gilliam County. Once operational in 2027, the project is expected to deliver clean, renewable energy to Amazon’s growing infrastructure in the region.
The plant will feature more than 100,000 solar panels and produce enough electricity to power 10,000 U.S. homes annually, according to Avangrid.
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Commitment to Clean Energy
“This agreement reflects Amazon and Avangrid’s commitment to delivering reliable energy solutions that will help meet America’s growing energy needs and support the growth of critical infrastructure,” said Jose Antonio Miranda, Avangrid CEO.
Miranda added that the Oregon Trail project continues Avangrid’s strong presence in Oregon and its partnership with Amazon. “We’re proud to help power the future with projects that bring lasting economic benefits to local communities, bolster our nation’s energy independence, and maximize energy production,” he said.
Expanding Partnership with Amazon
The Oregon Trail Solar PPA is the second recent renewable deal between Amazon and Avangrid in the Pacific Northwest. It follows an agreement for energy from the Leaning Juniper IIA repower project, also located in Gilliam County.
Beyond Oregon, Avangrid and Amazon have forged similar agreements to develop renewable energy projects in Illinois, Ohio, and North Carolina, highlighting a growing collaboration between the tech giant and the clean energy developer.
Economic and Community Benefits
Avangrid emphasized that construction of the Oregon Trail Solar project will generate approximately 200 jobs, the majority of which are expected to go to local union workers.
In addition, the project is projected to contribute $6 million in PILOTs (payments in lieu of taxes) and property taxes to Gilliam County. These funds will directly support schools, infrastructure, and other public services, ensuring long-term community benefits.
“Oregon Trail Solar is yet another example of how Avangrid works with local communities to build America’s energy future,” said Sy Oytan, Avangrid Power CEO. “With this new project, we are adding to our existing investments in Gilliam County and Oregon in a way that strengthens the region while producing electricity to help meet the growing energy demand across the country.”
Avangrid’s Oregon Footprint
Avangrid has been active in Oregon since 2001 and currently operates 2.5 gigawatts of renewable capacity across the state. The company also runs a National Training Center in Sherman County and maintains a corporate office in Portland, underscoring its long-term commitment to Oregon’s renewable energy sector.
The Oregon Trail Solar project adds to Avangrid’s expanding portfolio of wind and solar initiatives nationwide and strengthens Oregon’s role in the transition to clean energy.
Looking Ahead
With Amazon continuing to expand its energy-intensive data center operations, renewable PPAs like this one are increasingly vital. The Oregon Trail Solar project reflects both companies’ pledges to reduce carbon emissions while investing in local economies.
By 2027, when the project is set to go online, Gilliam County will not only host one of the region’s newest solar facilities but will also reap the benefits of jobs, tax revenue, and strengthened infrastructure — all while contributing to a cleaner energy future.
