Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Saddle Butte Project is a proposed utility-scale wind project harnessing renewable energy in Gilliam County. The project spans roughly 12,000 acres and is expected to generate up to 488 MW of power, with the potential addition of a battery energy storage system (BESS) to improve regional grid reliability and flexibility. The project is being developed by Brookfield Renewable N.A., a global leader in clean energy investments.

  • Wind energy works by converting the natural movement of air into electricity. Wind turbines capture the energy of the wind with large blades that spin a rotor. This rotor turns a generator, which produces renewable electricity.

  •      Battery energy storage systems (BESS) work by storing electricity generated by an energy source for later delivery when regional energy demands are high or energy generation supply has dropped. Modern BESS technology provides great benefit by increasing grid resiliency and helping deliver energy to residents, businesses, and essential services when it is needed most.

  • With wide open spaces and lots of wind, this region offers many benefits and is ideal for wind projects. More specifically, this project location is adjacent to a transmission line, which is critical for connecting renewable energy to the power grid and servicers. In addition, the project will bring new jobs and income to the county, strengthening the local economy.

  • Brookfield currently owns and operates the Shepherd’s Flat Wind Farm in Arlington, Oregon, and the Goose Prairie Solar facility in Yakima County, Washington. In addition to the Saddle Butte Project, Brookfield is developing a number of other  renewable energy projects in Oregon. Brookfield Renewable has deep experience in the industry, with 8+ GW of operating renewable energy facilities in the US and a deep development pipeline.

  • Brookfield is conducting an economic impact study and will share the findings with the community on this website as soon as the report is available.

  • The land where this project will be developed is owned by local private landowners. This project represents an opportunity for the next generation of Gilliam County families to uphold the region’s legacy of natural resource stewardship without sacrificing its proud agricultural heritage.

  • We aim to be good neighbors in every community that we operate in, and we have the track record to show it, including in Oregon. We began community engagement for this project well before our Notice of Intent was filed — and will continue engaging with the Gilliam County community, including meeting with local leaders,  holding public meetings, and sharing project information online.

    If you have a question about the project, please reach out to the team any time:

    Ben Mallernee

    Sr. Manager, Asset Development

    ben.mallernee@brookfieldrenewable.com

    1-646-992-2369

  • Yes. Oregon has set bold goals around siting new renewable energy projects. Growing electricity demand across the region makes these investments even more critical. The Saddle Butte project will help meet that rising demand while advancing the state’s clean-energy goals. Projects like this also help to diversify Gilliam County’s local econom

  • Agricultural and grazing activities will be able to continue around the installed wind turbines, BESS, and substation(s).

  •  A cultural assessment is currently being performed, with field surveys completed across the site in Fall 2025, to better understand the existing conditions and the interface with the proposed project. Local tribes are engaged and have participated in completed surveys. The project will be designed to minimize any impacts through continued tribal consultation.

  • Wind turbines generate a low level of sound during operation, but projects are carefully designed to minimize noise impacts on surrounding areas. Battery energy storage systems also produce minimal noise, typically limited to fans, HVAC systems, and transformers comparable to the sound levels of standard commercial buildings. 

    In the project area, there are very few non-participating residences, and the project’s landowners are familiar with the sound profile of modern wind turbines from nearby wind projects. As part of the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC) process, a comprehensive noise analysis will be conducted to ensure we meet all state noise standards. We are also committed to working closely with the community to minimize construction-related noise as much as possible.

  • Once the project is complete, traffic in and out of the facility will be very minimal. And while this project will entail construction traffic, we will work with the county and local transportation experts to ensure that the flow of traffic is efficient and maintained.

  • Saddle Butte will minimize cultural and environmental disruption while balancing energy output through strategic siting and design.

    We are actively engaging with environmental experts, community members, and local tribes to identify and address remaining cultural or recreational concerns through field studies.

  • A typical lifespan of a wind farm is approximately 30 years. After this point, wind turbines can be overhauled or replaced to extend the life of the facility and continue generating renewable power.

  • Homes are always the first priority to protect in the event of a wildfire. Emergency response plans will be put in place to address wildfire risks and ensure the safety of the project and surrounding areas, and we will be working with emergency management in the area on an ongoing basis.

    The project will incorporate access routes for emergency vehicles, while coordinating directly with local fire departments and first responders to ensure their feedback is reflected in the final project design and response protocols.

  • Unless the facility is overhauled or repowered, it will be decommissioned. Under the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC), every wind, solar, or battery storage project must comply with the Council’s standard for Retirement and Financial Assurance (OAR 345-022-0050). This rule requires:

    • A mandatory decommissioning plan submitted as part of the site certificate, describing how equipment will be removed, how the site will be restored, and how materials will be recycled or disposed of.

    • A bond or equivalent financial assurance that the project must post before construction begins. This bond covers the full cost of decommissioning and cannot be released until the State verifies that all decommissioning work has been completed.

    • Restoration of the site to a useful, non-hazardous condition that is compatible with farming, grazing, or other land uses.

    These requirements apply regardless of company ownership or market conditions. The project will meet all EFSC decommissioning obligations and will post the required bond as part of the Saddle Butte Wind permitting process.

  • We welcome your input, questions, and concerns any time. We will ensure that the community is aware of any opportunity to engage with the project team throughout the process — and you should feel free to reach out to us any time:

    Ben Mallernee

    Sr. Manager, Asset Development

    ben.mallernee@brookfieldrenewable.com

    1-646-992-2369