The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) today authorized Oregon Clean Energy, LLC. to construct a new natural gas-fired combined-cycle electric generating facility in Oregon, Ohio.

“Today’s approval of the Oregon Clean Energy Center will add much-needed generating capacity to northern Ohio,” Chairman Todd A. Snitchler stated.  “The facility will take advantage of cleaner-burning natural gas, at today’s affordable prices, further enhancing Ohio’s diversified energy portfolio.”

The 799 megawatt Oregon Clean Energy Center (OPSB Case No. 12-2959-EL-BGN) will utilize advanced gas turbine and combined-cycle technology to generate electricity.  The location of the future Oregon Clean Energy Center facility will be on North Lallendorf Road, south of the BP refinery.  Oregon Clean Energy plans to begin construction next month and place the completed facility online in May 2016.

Oregon Clean Energy’s application stated that during construction of the $860 million project, an estimated 532 construction industry jobs will be created.  During operation, the facility will employ 25 full-time workers.  The Oregon Clean Energy project is expected to generate approximately $15.4 million in state and local tax revenue.

On Jan. 17, 2013, Oregon Clean Energy filed an application for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need for the facility.  On March 18, 2013, the OPSB staff filed a report of investigation which included a recommendation to the Board for conditional approval of the facility.  During a local public hearing on April 2, 2013, several local officials and area residents testified in strong support of the project.