The Open Solicitation program is designed to support renewable energy projects that are not eligible for other Energy Trust renewable energy programs. Examples include: wave energy, geothermal, and hydropower outside of state and federally protected areas. The program also provides opportunities to receive financial incentives and support for innovative commercial applications of renewable energy technology. The program does not fund research and development.

We are accepting proposals for projects within or able to deliver power to the Portland General Electric (PGE) service territory or the Pacific Power service territory.

Guidelines

The Open Solicitation program seeks to fund projects using commercial technologies that follow certain guidelines, including:

• New commercial technologies in established end uses
• Existing technologies in new end uses
• Projects that can be replicated elsewhere, thereby helping to build renewable energy markets

Eligibility

Eligible renewable technologies include new electricity generation facilities or new additions to existing facilities fueled by:

• Hydroelectric facilities located outside state and federally protected areas
• Wave energy
• Geothermal energy — Energy Trust’s renewable power incentives are available only for projects that use geothermal hot water or steam to generate electricity. If you are interested in incentives for a geothermal (ground-source) heat pump, you may qualify for an incentive from Energy Trust’s Home Energy Solutions program, Existing Buildings program or New Buildings program.
• Other innovative commercial renewable technologies

Eligible projects must either be located in or deliver power to the Oregon service territories of Portland General Electric or Pacific Power. Off-grid projects are not eligible for Energy Trust support.

The program also has resources to share the cost of feasibility studies, and may also be able to assist applicants in applying for other project funding, for instance federal grants or loan guarantees. Interested project developers should contact Betsy Kauffman at 503-459-4072.

Since its inception in 2002, the Open Solicitation Program has funded projects from various types of applicants including farmers, ranchers, schools, non-profits, local governments and private businesses.

Energy Trust provides technical assistance and financial incentives but does not develop, sell or install energy systems or equipment. This work is done by independent businesses that are solely responsible for the quality and performance of their installations.

Call Today

For more information on the Open Solicitation Program, contact: Betsy Kauffman, Open Solicitation Program Manager; Phone: 503-459-4072

Photos left to right: wind turbine, Small hydro photo courtesy of Dulas, Ltd

Incentives