About Muddy Creek Energy Park
Muddy Creek is an agrovoltaic solar project combining renewable energy and traditional agriculture in Linn County, Oregon.
About Agrivoltaics
Agrivoltaics, otherwise known as dual-use farming, is the practice of combining traditional agricultural practices and solar energy production. It can create new revenue streams for farmers and landowners, keep traditional farming lands in production, improve soil quality and generate renewable energy that helps reduce carbon emissions.
Linn County, Oregon
The project is located on 1,100 acres adjacent to I-5 in Linn County, south of Brownsville. It has plenty of space for both solar panels and agriculture, as well as easy access to existing energy infrastructure.
Supporting Agriculture. Supporting Linn County.
We believe in the power of renewable energy to create positive change, not just for the environment, but for local communities and economies as well. That’s why we are working with our partners in Linn County to build the future of energy and agriculture, together. Muddy Creek Energy Park benefits the community by keeping farmland in production, generating clean energy and contributing to the local economy.
Project Benefits
Farming Flexibility
Giving farmers and ranchers more income options for future generations.
Local Taxes
Supporting local services and communities through $1.6 million in annual taxes.
American Energy
Powering an estimated 34,427 homes per year with clean, renewable energy.
Oregon Agriculture
Keeping farmland in production to continue to support local supply chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Hanwha Renewables is a global leader in solar energy that has a strong track record of helping local communities meet their clean energy needs. Dalton, Georgia is home to our sister company, Qcells, solar panel manufacturing facility, the largest in the Western Hemisphere. We offer a full range of solar solutions, from the core technology of solar panels to large-scale project development, construction and investment. We deliver utility-scale power generation plants customized for local regions.
We are proposing an agrivoltaic farming project in Linn County, which would generate enough power for up to 34,000 homes. The project will combine solar panels with agriculture on approximately 1,100 acres adjacent to I-5 in Linn County, south of Harrisburg.
Agrivoltaic farming combines solar energy production with traditional agriculture. It keeps farmland in production and generates low-cost, renewable energy. Solar panels provide shade to crops and animals, improve soil quality, and reduce evaporation and the need for water. It is also referred to as dual-use farming.
Utility-scale agrivoltaic projects add significantly to the tax base in rural areas and support the development of local supply chains for both agricultural products and renewable energy. Hanwha Renewables is dedicated to finding opportunities for community partnerships with long-term benefits to the local community.
It has plenty of open space for agriculture, solar panels and sheep grazing - and plenty of sunlight to power the panels. Hanwha Renewables guarantees high performance of its advanced solar technology under real Willamette Valley conditions, in winter or summer, under clear or cloudy skies, and in extreme weather. The proposed site also has easy access to existing energy infrastructure.
This project was designed to minimize the impact on wetlands, waterways, native habitats and local species. When the project reaches the end of its lifecycle, the equipment will be removed and recycled, or reenergized. The land will continue to be used for agricultural production and returned to the landowners. Agrivoltaic farming supports healthier soils during project operations that can be used for agriculture or other needs when the project is removed.
The project is located near high voltage lines and an existing substation, which minimizes the need for new infrastructure. The panels will be mounted on piles, allowing more land to be reserved for agricultural production.
This project will generate an estimated $1.6 million in local tax revenue each year and support more than 100 union jobs, including with !BEW Local 280, during the construction phase of the project. Construction workers on the project will also boost spending at local businesses.
We project the project to generate enough clean electricity to power up to 34,000 households. Modern solar panels are highly efficient in all weather conditions, even in the rain, and this project is being designed specifically for this site.
Solar projects do not leach chemicals or toxins into the ground during construction or while operating. During construction, steel piles are driven into the ground. The panels are hung on racks and mounted to piles. Trenches may be dug to run electrical and data cables. The modules are completely enclosed. When the project lifecycle is complete, any structures from the project will be removed, returning the land to its original state, as required by state law.
Hanwha Renewables has designed this project specifically for this site. We have completed multiple studies that evaluate whether there is impact to: wetlands and waters, wildlife and habitat, raptor nests, rare plants, soils, cultural resources, and visual resources designated as significant or important. We are working on getting concurrence from agencies and their recommendations. During the permitting process, Hanwha Renewables will also be evaluating the project for consistency with local land-use standards, compatibility with surrounding lands, and for other potential impacts related to geologic hazards, noise, glare, traffic and recreational and protected areas. Hanwha Renewables has assembled experts in various fields to complete these studies. The studies are then reviewed and assessed by applicable government agencies at the local, state and federal level. The cultural resources study will also be reviewed by Tribal Governments. If impacts are identified that cannot be avoided or minimized, then potential mitigation or requests for additional work may follow. Studies will be included and published as part of the full permit application submitted to EFSC in 2024.
The state has high standards for decommissioning that require the project developer to return land to its prior condition after the useful life of a solar project. Hanwha Renewables accepts responsibility for removal of equipment and returning the land to its prior condition. Our decommissioning process includes: advance planning with local authorities; covering removal costs prior to the start of construction; removing and recycling all equipment, roads and concrete to restore the land; decommissioning all electrical equipment; and collecting and recycling or disposing of all modules.
s part of the application, the state will consider any potential impact to farmlands on both the subject property and surrounding agricultural lands, as well as industries and individuals reliant upon those lands. Additionally, Hanwha Renewables must meet the county's land use standards, which are designed to protect farmland. As part of these requirements, we are completing a number of studies, including a soil assessment report. We are also designing the project in a way that minimizes impact and engages farmers in the design and planning. For example, we are looking at plants that provide an aesthetic buffer to the solar panels. We are also evaluating crops that can be grown on site to bolster the dual-use project design, minimize impacts to the property and work well with sheep grazing. We have also mailed letters to all landowners within a half-mile radius to introduce the project, and request their input. Hanwha Renewables is dedicated to finding opportunities for community partnerships with long-term benefits to the local community.
The energy will connect to the local power grid, serving Oregonians throughout the Willamette Valley. This is the first utility-scale agrivoltaic project of its size to supply clean, renewable energy to the Willamette Valley. Any surplus power not used locally would be distributed to the wider region, as energy flows wherever demand lies. Since generation is in Willamette Valley, the site will serve the valley, with excess being distributed to wider regions.
Agrivoltaic farms allow for the advancement of farming technologies and can generate revenue through the sale of both crops and renewable energy, providing farmers and landowners with an additional source of income. As many Oregon farmers make succession plans, agrivoltaic farming opens new possibilities for the future of their land.