Jefferson County is taking a step into the clean energy economy. County commissioners have approved a site control agreement for a proposed battery energy storage project near Madras, a move that allows developers to conduct a full feasibility study on the site before committing to construction.
The project adds Madras to a growing list of Central Oregon communities being considered for utility-scale battery storage facilities — a critical piece of infrastructure as the regional grid shifts toward renewable power sources like solar and wind that generate energy intermittently.
What a Battery Storage Facility Does
Large-scale battery storage systems store excess electricity generated during periods of high production or low demand — for example, on a sunny midday when solar output peaks — and release it back to the grid during evening hours or during periods of high demand. They are increasingly seen as essential infrastructure for grid reliability as Oregon and the Pacific Northwest transition away from fossil fuels.
The Madras area, which already hosts significant solar energy infrastructure and benefits from abundant sunshine, is a logical candidate for battery storage development. High desert communities like Jefferson County sit in a "sweet spot" for both solar generation and storage siting, with available land and existing transmission infrastructure.
What Comes Next
The site control agreement does not commit the county or the developer to full construction — it provides legal standing to study the site in depth and pursue the Oregon Department of Energy's Site Certificate process. The state's energy siting process for large facilities can take one to two years.
The Oregon Department of Energy separately received a preliminary Application for a Site Certificate in January 2026 for the Deschutes Solar and Battery Energy Storage System Facility, which may be related to this project. That application is currently under state review.
Economic Implications for Jefferson County
Clean energy projects of this scale can bring significant construction-phase employment and, once operational, ongoing tax revenue and a modest number of permanent jobs. Jefferson County, which has historically relied on agriculture, timber, and manufacturing, has been actively courting clean energy investment as part of broader economic diversification efforts.
The Madras area has already attracted solar farm interest in recent years. Pairing generation with local storage could make Jefferson County a more attractive destination for energy-intensive industries that require reliable, clean power.
County officials have not yet released a project timeline or estimated capacity for the proposed battery storage facility. The Madras Bulletin will follow the project as it moves through the state siting process.