Otis Singleton
Portland, Oregon, has a diverse energy portfolio, with natural gas, wind, solar, biomass, geothermal power, and coal-fired power plants contributing to its electricity generation. In the past, coal played a significant role in Oregon's energy mix, with Portland General Electric (PGE) deriving about 30% of its power from coal. However, in recent years, there has been a shift away from coal. Oregon's last coal-fired plant, located in Boardman, was phased out in 2020, and PGE plans to exit its ownership of the Colstrip coal plant in Montana by 2029. Today, Portland's electricity primarily comes from natural gas-fired power plants, which provided 38% of the state's total net generation in 2023, while renewable sources like wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal power contribute about 21%. Portland also has a history of generating electricity using hydropower since 1889 and continues to invest in renewable energy sources, indicating a move towards a more sustainable energy future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity Generation from Coal | 30% of Portland General Electric's power comes from coal. |
| Coal-Fired Power Plants | Portland General Electric owns Oregon's only coal-fired plant in Boardman, which accounts for 15% of its power. |
| Coal-Fired Boilers | PacifiCorp uses 26 coal-fired boilers across 5 western states to provide electricity to customers in Oregon. |
| Coal-Based Electricity | In 2020, coal-fired power plants provided around 40% of Oregon's electricity. |
| Coal Mines | There are no active commercial coal mines in Oregon. |
| Coal Phase-Out | Oregon's last coal-fired plant was phased out in 2020. |
| Alternative Energy Sources | Portland General Electric also uses natural gas, hydro power, wind energy, and solar power. |
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What You'll Learn
- Portland's Boardman coal-fired plant provided 15% of PGE's power
- PGE's last Oregon-based coal-fired power plant closed in 2020
- Coal-fired power plants provided 40% of Oregon's electricity
- Portland's electricity comes from diverse natural resources
- Portland's solar power comes from large-scale projects and customers' solar installations
Portland's Boardman coal-fired plant provided 15% of PGE's power
Portland's Boardman coal-fired plant was Oregon's only coal-fired power plant. It was owned by Portland General Electric (PGE), which is Oregon's largest electric utility. The Boardman plant provided 15% of PGE's power, making it one of the company's largest power stations.
The plant was located in Boardman, Oregon, and had a nameplate capacity of 550 megawatts (MWs). It was authorised in 1975, just two years before the 1977 Clean Air Act amendments, which would have required the plant to meet stricter emission standards. Despite this, the plant operated from 1980 until its early retirement in 2020.
In the years leading up to its closure, the Boardman plant faced increasing pressure from environmental groups due to its high emissions of greenhouse gases, SO2, and CO2. PGE originally planned to operate the plant until 2040, but this would have required installing over $500 million worth of pollution control equipment. Instead, PGE announced in 2010 that they were considering an alternative plan to close the plant by 2020.
The closure of the Boardman plant eliminated about 2 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, as well as significant amounts of mercury and sulfur dioxide emissions that contributed to haze and air pollution in the surrounding area. PGE replaced the electricity from Boardman with a mix of other resources, including hydropower, wind, and solar energy.
The demolition of the Boardman plant's smokestack and boiler building in September 2022 marked the symbolic end of coal-fired power generation in Oregon.
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PGE's last Oregon-based coal-fired power plant closed in 2020
Portland General Electric (PGE) closed its Boardman coal-fired power plant in October 2020, marking the end of coal-fired energy production in Oregon. The plant was PGE's last coal-fired power plant in the state and accounted for 15% of the power provided by PGE, Oregon's largest electric utility provider.
The Boardman plant was built in the late 1970s during a period of population growth and energy uncertainty following the OPEC oil embargo. At full capacity, it burned through five-and-a-half tons of coal per minute, generating enough electricity to power approximately 500,000 homes. However, it also contributed significantly to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, with coal accounting for about 40% of Oregon's electricity generation.
The decision to close the Boardman plant was influenced by a combination of factors, including lawsuits, political pressure, and the availability of cheaper alternative power sources. In 2010, PGE agreed to shut down the plant 20 years ahead of schedule as part of a landmark legal agreement to reduce air pollution. This decision aligned with Oregon's renewable energy goals and efforts to combat climate change.
The closure of the Boardman plant had a mixed impact on the local community. While it was celebrated as a victory for the environment, it also resulted in job losses and emotional sentiments for the workers who had been employed there for many years. The plant was a significant employer in Eastern Oregon, offering competitive wages and a sense of community for its staff.
With the closure of the Boardman plant, Oregon joined the transition towards cleaner energy resources. PGE has set a long-term goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80% by 2050, reflecting a nationwide shift away from coal-fired power generation.
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Coal-fired power plants provided 40% of Oregon's electricity
Oregon has a rich history of coal mining and coal-powered electricity generation. In the past, coal-fired power plants provided a significant portion of the state's electricity, with almost 40% of the state's electricity coming from coal-burning power plants, mostly from Pacific Power's coal-fired plants.
However, Oregon has been actively transitioning away from coal-fired power. In 2020, Oregon's only in-state coal-fired power plant, located in Boardman, was closed, and coal no longer fuels any in-state generation. This move was part of a broader trend, as Oregon has been focusing on renewable energy sources, such as hydroelectric, wind, solar, biomass, and geothermal power.
Despite the closure of the Boardman plant, some companies in Oregon still have connections to coal-fired power. For example, Portland General Electric (PGE) previously owned a coal-fired plant in Boardman and still owns a share of one in Montana. PGE has plans to exit its ownership of the Montana plant by 2029, in line with Oregon state law.
The transition away from coal-fired power is part of Oregon's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy sources. The state has implemented various initiatives to promote renewable energy, such as its renewable fuel standard, which requires motor gasoline sold in Oregon to contain a minimum of 10% fuel ethanol. Additionally, Oregon has been investing in wind and solar energy, with Portland General Electric co-owning four wind energy facilities and purchasing solar power from various sources, including residential customers with their own solar installations.
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Portland's electricity comes from diverse natural resources
Portland General Electric (PGE), the largest electric utility in Oregon, generates electricity from a variety of sources. PGE owns or jointly owns several power plants, including hydro, wind, and solar energy facilities. They also purchase power through long-term contracts and participation in wholesale energy markets. In 2020, PGE closed its last Oregon-based coal-fired power plant, located in Boardman, 20 years ahead of schedule. PGE still has a partial stake in the Colstrip coal plant in Montana and plans to exit its ownership by 2029 to comply with Oregon state law.
The diverse natural resources used for electricity generation in Portland and Oregon offer a mix of baseload and renewable energy sources. Natural gas-fired power plants provide a steady and reliable source of energy, while renewable sources like wind and solar power are variable but increasingly important. Oregon has been a leader in renewable electricity generation, ranking among the top five states in 2019 for its share of renewable electricity generation.
In addition to wind and solar energy, Portland and Oregon have a significant presence in hydroelectric power generation. PGE's hydro facilities, such as the Pelton Round Butte and Sullivan plants, generate emissions-free, low-impact hydropower. These facilities also provide recreational opportunities for the community, including parks, campgrounds, and nature enjoyment. Oregon was the second-largest generator of hydroelectric power in the United States after Washington state.
Portland and Oregon's electricity generation portfolio demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and renewable energy sources. The state has phased out coal-fired power plants and actively promotes the development of wind, solar, and hydroelectric power. By utilizing diverse natural resources, Portland and Oregon are working towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
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Portland's solar power comes from large-scale projects and customers' solar installations
Portland's solar power comes from a combination of large-scale projects and customer solar installations. While coal-fired power plants used to contribute significantly to Oregon's electricity generation, the state has been transitioning to renewable energy sources, including solar power.
In terms of large-scale projects, Portland General Electric has been expanding its renewable energy portfolio. They have invested in solar energy projects, such as the Oregon Community Solar program, which offers customers the opportunity to subscribe to or "own" a portion of a centralized, larger-scale solar installation. This initiative provides participants with access to lower-cost, clean solar energy, even if they don't have the space or means to install their own solar panels.
On the other hand, customer solar installations also play a crucial role in Portland's solar power generation. Many residents and businesses in Portland have embraced the idea of installing solar panels on their properties. Several companies in Portland, such as Power Northwest and Imagine Energy, specialize in solar installations and offer a range of services to meet the diverse needs of their customers. These companies provide high-quality solar panels, powerwalls, and even Tesla solar roofs, ensuring that their clients can take advantage of solar energy efficiently and aesthetically.
The average price per watt of solar power in Portland is $2.63/W before incentives. However, after the federal solar tax credit, the cost decreases by 30%, making it more affordable for homeowners. Additionally, states often offer local rebates and incentives, further reducing the financial burden. The upfront investment in solar panels pays off in the long run, as the average Portland homeowner can expect to save $47,761 over 25 years on their electric bills.
By combining large-scale projects and customer solar installations, Portland is actively transitioning towards a more sustainable and renewable energy future. This dual approach ensures that both centralized and distributed solar power generation contribute to the city's overall energy mix, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources, such as coal.
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Frequently asked questions
Portland General Electric (PGE) previously got about 30% of its power from coal. However, Oregon's only coal-fired power plant, located in Boardman, was closed in 2020. Coal no longer fuels any in-state generation in Oregon.
Portland's electricity generation mix in 2023 was 42.1% hydroelectric, 38.1% natural gas, 14.7% wind, 3.2% solar, 1.6% biomass, and 0.4% geothermal.
Portland has been generating electricity with hydropower since 1889. The city is committed to keeping Oregon's rivers healthy and safe. Portland also has four wind energy facilities and sources solar power from large-scale projects, third-party suppliers, and customers with solar installations.
