RAPID/Geothermal/Oregon/Power Plant
< RAPID | Geothermal | Oregon
Oregon Geothermal Power Plant Siting, Construction, & Regulation(7-OR)
The Oregon State Siting Board has siting jurisdiction over electric power generating plants with an average electric generating capacity of 35 MW or greater under ORS 469. If the power plant will have an electric generating capacity of 100 MW or more, developers must initiate the Standard State Power Plant Commissioning process. If the generating capacity will be less than 100 MW the plant may be eligible for the Expedited Plant Commissioning Process.
Developers seeking to construct a power plant with a capacity of 100 MW or more in Oregon must complete the Standard State Power Plant Commissioning process to obtain a Site Certificate from the Oregon State Siting Board. The process is regulated under ORS 469 and OAR 345-015. Developers must file a Notice of Intent to Site an Energy Facility, and then later a Preliminary Application, both subject to review by the Siting Board. The process involves public notice and hearing, and resulting Site Certifications are subject to challenge.
Developers seeking to construct a power plant with a capacity of less than 100 MW in Oregon may request siting review under the Expedited Plant Commissioning Process by the Oregon State Siting Board. The process is regulated under O.R.S. 469 and O.A.R. 345-015. The Siting Board will grant expedited review if the board confirms the proposed plant will have a capacity of less than 100 MW. Developers must file a Preliminary Application subject to review by the Siting Board. The process involves public notice and hearing, and resulting Site Certifications are subject to challenge.
Determine Which State and Federal Permits Apply
Use this overview flowchart and following steps to learn which federal and state permits apply to your projects.
1
Permitting at a Glance
Oregon Federal
| Power Plant Siting: | Standard State Power Plant Commissioning Process | Utilization Application Process | |
| Power Plant Siting Agency: | Oregon Department of Energy | Bureau of Land Management | |
| Power Plant Siting MW Threshold: | 35 MW | ||
| Definition for Public Utility: | A “public utility” is defined as any corporation, company, individual, association of individuals, or its lessees, trustees or receivers, that owns, operates, manages or controls all or a part of any plant or equipment in this state for the production, transmission, delivery or furnishing of heat, light, water or power, directly or indirectly to or for the public, whether or not such plant or equipment or part thereof is wholly within any town or city. The definition also includes entities in a formal written agreement with a utility. See OS 757.005(1)(a) for additional information. | ||
| Coordinating Permit Offices: | None | ||
| Public Utility Definition for Power Generator: | A “public utility” is defined as any corporation, company, individual, association of individuals, or its lessees, trustees or receivers, that owns, operates, manages or controls all or a part of any plant or equipment in this state for the production, transmission, delivery or furnishing of heat, light, water or power, directly or indirectly to or for the public, whether or not such plant or equipment or part thereof is wholly within any town or city. The definition also includes entities in a formal written agreement with a utility. See OS 757.005(1)(a) for additional information. |