Jefferson County commissioners have approved a site control agreement for a proposed battery energy storage project in Madras, clearing a key early hurdle for what could become a significant piece of energy infrastructure in Jefferson County.
The agreement allows a feasibility study to proceed on the proposed facility. County leaders say the agreement does not commit the county to the project, but it gives the developer the site access and control needed to assess the project's viability.
Why Battery Storage Matters
Large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are increasingly central to Oregon's clean energy strategy. They allow electricity generated by solar and wind facilities — both of which are abundant in Jefferson County's high desert landscape — to be stored and dispatched when demand peaks or generation drops.
Jefferson County already hosts the approved Madras Solar Energy Facility, a project approved in 2021. A battery storage system co-located or connected to existing or planned solar infrastructure would allow the region to capture more of the value of its renewable resources while stabilizing the grid.
The Oregon Department of Energy recently received a preliminary Application for a Site Certificate (pASC) for the Deschutes Solar and Battery Energy Storage System facility — a separate but related project under state review — illustrating the broader momentum toward energy storage development in Central Oregon.
Economic Implications for Jefferson County
Energy infrastructure projects of this scale typically bring construction jobs, property tax revenue, and ongoing operational employment to host counties. Jefferson County, which has worked to diversify its economic base beyond agriculture, has actively courted clean energy development in recent years.
The feasibility study will determine whether soil conditions, grid interconnection capacity, and other site factors make the Madras location viable. If the study produces favorable results, the project would move into more detailed permitting and environmental review.
What Comes Next
No timeline for a final project decision has been announced. The site control agreement gives developers access to begin their assessment. Commissioners have indicated they will review the feasibility findings before making any further commitments.
Residents with questions or interest in the project can contact the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners through jeffco.net.