Transmission Line Project Under Columbia River Faces Regulatory Hurdles
What happened
The Cascade Renewable Transmission Project, which plans to run about 100 miles from The Dalles to Portland largely underneath the Columbia River, is undergoing regulatory review. Washington’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council decided to hold additional hearings to determine if the project aligns with applicable land use laws. Leading developer POWERBRIDGE previously stated that Portland General Electric would likely be the principal buyer for the venture.
Why it matters
The proposed line is a first-of-its-kind venture that would provide 1,100 megawatts of power, capable of supplying 800,000 homes. The project faces opposition from environmental organizations and four Columbia River treaty tribes due to concerns over impacts on endangered fish species and inundated cultural sites.
The project is situated in a geographical area involving the Columbia River, Klickitat County, and the proximity to Portland.
Who's involved
- POWERBRIDGELeading developer of the Cascade Renewable Transmission Project
- Portland General ElectricSuggested as the likely principal buyer for the transmission line
- Columbia RiverThe river under which the transmission line would run
- PortlandThe destination city for the new power supply capacity
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Portland General ElectricSpeculative
Portland General Electric might secure 1,100 MW of capacity via the new transmission line supply, increasing revenue.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
Columbia River
river in North America; flows from British Columbia, through Washington, and along the Washington-Oregon border to the Pacific Ocean
Nothing else this week.
-
Portland
seat of Multnomah County, and largest city in state of Oregon, United States
-
Portland General Electric
public utility based in Portland, Oregon
Nothing else this week.