PENDLETON, Ore. — The City of Pendleton has received over $2.5 million in grants for renewable energy projects, according to an official press release. These projects will enhance energy efficiency at Pendleton City Hall, the Pendleton Resource Recovery Facility, and the Pendleton Convention Center.
The funding includes a $1 million state grant for a battery energy storage system, $1.5 million in federal earmarks for wind turbines and a micro-hydroelectric generation system, and $70,000 for energy audits. These investments aim to establish new renewable energy sources in the city.
Kyle Willman, Assistant Public Works Director, highlighted the significance of the grants. “With support from the ODOE CREP grant, we will integrate a battery energy storage system at one of the Pendleton ASR wells to help provide load shifting, emergency backup power, and improved operational flexibility,” he said.
Federal investments announced in January by Oregon Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden will fund the installation of wind turbines and a micro-hydroelectric system at the Resource Recovery Facility. “These investments generate clean, on-site power while strengthening the reliability of essential wastewater services,” Willman said.
Additionally, Pendleton has been awarded two $35,000 grants for energy audits of the Pendleton Convention Center and City Hall. These audits will assess building energy consumption and recommend efficiency improvements.
“We appreciate the ODOE’s Early Compliance Action and Planning Program for funding energy audits,” Willman said. “This support helps us meet new Building Performance Standards and improve building efficiency.”
The City of Pendleton is collaborating with Ameresco on this project.
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