Solar energy initiative commences by Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on their reservation, marking their first solar power project.

Warm Springs Reservation to See Utility-Scale Solar Energy Project

The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon are set to benefit from a new renewable energy project, known as the Salmonfly Project. This initiative, which aims to support job opportunities, increase Tribal revenue, and develop on-Reservation infrastructure for power generation and transmission, has chosen BrightNight as its partner.

BrightNight, a Florida-based renewable integrated power company, specializes in providing clean, dispatchable renewable power solutions to utility and commercial customers across the U.S. and Asia Pacific. Their recent projects include the 300 MW Box Canyon solar project in Arizona (currently under construction) and a 100 MW combined wind and solar project under construction in India.

The Salmonfly Project's long-term revenue will be designed to support initiatives important to Tribal members. Cathy Ehli, Executive Director of Warm Springs Power & Water Enterprises (WSPWE), stated that the partnership aligns with WSPWE's vision to support Tribal sovereignty through renewable energy development.

The project follows a 2010 study that found solar energy to be the best option for new renewable energy projects for the Tribes. WSPWE, the organization responsible for the planning and development of the Salmonfly Project on the Warm Springs Reservation, initiated the project after noticing a decline in the salmonfly population. The organization's past projects are not detailed in the available information.

Jaron Wright, Senior Director of Development at BrightNight, stated that they are in the early stages of development of the Salmonfly project, focusing on understanding buildable areas and culturally sensitive uses of the land. The community input process includes gathering preliminary information about the project's potential layout and location, connecting with Tribal members to learn about direct benefits, and developing a plan based on feedback.

A public scoping meeting was held on December 4 at the Greely Heights Community Center for Warm Springs Tribal members to meet the BrightNight team and provide input on the Salmonfly Project. Over the coming months and years, Tribal members will be able to provide input through community meetings concerning the project's development.

Along with expanding revenue opportunities for the Tribes, Tribal members will be prioritized for manufacturing, installation, and solar maintenance jobs in the renewable energy industry. The renewable energy generated through this project will be able to go online soon after development by utilizing a surplus interconnection with the Pelton-Round Butte hydroelectric project.

BrightNight has experience collaborating with other Tribal Nations, and WSPWE trusts that their cultural sensitivity will be beneficial during the planning and approval process. The Salmonfly Project has the potential to be a significant step forward in renewable energy development for the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon.

Solar energy initiative commences by Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs on their reservation, marking their first solar power project.