Clean Technology

Clean technology is a booming industry across the globe, and Oregon has been a leader from the beginning. In Oregon, developing cleaner, greener technologies isn’t just a short–term opportunity, it is our long–term approach to economic development.

Public support, key business advantages, a spirit of innovation and abundant and diverse natural resources have all led to Oregon’s position as a global leader in renewable energy. Oregon’s Renewable Portfolio Standard dictates that by 2025, 25 percent of the state’s power supply must come from renewable energy sources. Oregon’s new solar feed-in tariff sets a rate that utilities must pay anyone feeding electricity to the grid from particular solar energy systems. Oregon’s significant energy-related tax credits also help offset the large capital investment of construction.

Oregon is home to the leading solar energy manufacturing cluster in the U.S., attracting manufacturers from around the world, like Sanyo and SolarWorld. Oregon also is in the top five states for wind energy generation, with more than 1,650 megawatts of wind power operating in the state.

Oregon is taking steps to keep these industries growing, by preparing a ready workforce and fostering innovation. Business, labor and education leaders are actively working together to implement successful curricula and training programs that match up with the skills companies demand. Oregon also has made significant investments in connecting cutting-edge university R&D with industry strengths to develop the next generation of energy solutions through the Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI) and the Oregon Built Environment and Sustainable Technologies Center (Oregon BEST). These facilities provide a competitive advantage for clean technology businesses in Oregon.
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