Developing solar power: How we got here, and what comes next
The Tribes have a big opportunity on the horizon: Developing solar power.
Solar is a central piece of Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises’ (WSPWE) work to unlock more opportunities to manage natural resources and invest in the community’s well-being. The Tribes have the opportunity to set the example for what culturally appropriate, Tribal-led solar development looks like.
You may have attended the December 4 public meeting led by renewable power producing company BrightNight, where the company heard your input on the proposed SalmonFly project. This proposed project has not yet been presented to Tribal Council for approval, and we wanted to explain how we got here, and what you can expect in the future.
How did we decide on solar?
We’ve taken a close look at all the options. WSPWE commissioned a study in 2010 that weighed the benefits of solar, wind, geothermal and biomass as renewable energy sources.
It showed that solar is the best option because of its geographic compatibility with the Tribes’ Reservation, plus the manufacturing, installation and maintenance jobs it will make available for Tribal members. It will also save the Tribes money, because it’s less expensive compared to the other options.
How will solar benefit the Tribes?
Solar development will increase Tribal revenue and build resilience in the face of the climate crisis.
The economic boost will come from selling solar energy to the Willamette Valley, via infrastructure that already exists: the Bethel-Round Butte transmission line. It’s a long-term project, because it can take several years to secure transmission to deliver the output. Ultimately, though, the increased revenue can be invested back into the community, and will allow for more natural resource management work.
Due to how Oregon’s energy grid is designed, it’s important for us to note that it has never been possible for WSPWE to power individual homes on the Reservation with power from the dams and associated solar development. The grid is divided into separate service zones. The Reservation is serviced primarily by PacifiCorp, whereas the energy we currently generate goes to places serviced by Portland General Electric. In Oregon, utility service zones are determined through a combination of state regulations, municipal ordinances and agreements between utilities and local governments. That means that, just like the energy from the Pelton Project, the solar energy we generate will travel down transmission lines the purchasing entity or utility can secure for that delivery.
There are other direct benefits that solar power will bring to the community, though. As the climate crisis causes more extreme weather events that often lead to power outages, solar will ensure that members like you are taken care of. It is expected to power the heating and cooling at community spaces like Kah-Nee-Tah resort and eventually longhouses, even during power outages.
Where are we starting?
All of this — increasing Tribal revenues, providing relief during extreme weather events — lies in our long-term future. Right now, the Enterprises are focused on ensuring that our first solar project moves forward with a trusted company who will work with the Tribes in a culturally appropriate way.
Together with Tribal Council, we have selected the renewable power producing company BrightNight as the first business to explore one aspect of this energy generation potential through a specific project – SalmonFly. BrightNight has qualified experience working with Tribal communities, and prioritizes community input.
Here are the steps BrightNight has followed in past projects:
- The BrightNight team gathers preliminary information about the potential layout and location of a project
- They connect with people in the community to learn how the project can provide direct benefits to them
- They develop a plan based on that feedback, to ensure the project’s long-term revenue can support initiatives important to Tribal members. Some examples of initiatives they’ve supported include scholarship funds, reforestation and habitat restoration, supporting first responders’ technical and training needs, and connecting area farms with local food banks.
Right now, BrightNight is in the first two steps with SalmonFly — working to understand which areas of the proposed project site are buildable and how to best use the land in harmony with natural resources. Many of you attended the first public meeting on December 4 to learn about the proposed project and offer your input. We hope that you continue to participate in sharing your voice about the proposed project in future meetings that are not yet planned.
We’re still figuring out how the following steps will unfold, and will share more along the way. This includes identifying when and how the project will be presented to Tribal Council for their review and decision.
Overall, solar development carries us further along the path to a Tribal-led renewable energy future — a future that provides for the community’s well-being by exercising Tribal sovereignty and responsibly managing natural resources.
