Portland General Electric (PGE) has made significant strides in its efforts to generate clean energy. The company has reached a five-year high in emissions-free power generation from its Clackamas River facilities. This remarkable achievement follows upgrades to the historic Faraday Powerhouse, part of PGE’s West Side Hydropower project, which began in 2019.

Faraday Powerhouse before, during and after the modernization project.

The modernization project, which replaced the old powerhouse with a new building and installed two high-efficiency turbines, has greatly improved reliability and energy output. Since going online in 2023, the upgraded facility has produced enough hydropower to supply approximately 70,000 homes. This means that for every drop of water flowing down the Clackamas River, PGE is generating more megawatts of energy than ever before.

One of the most notable contributions of these upgrades is their positive impact on wildlife. The new turbines are designed to help juvenile fish, such as salmon and steelhead, safely migrate to the ocean. Garth Wyatt, PGE’s plant manager, remarked, “We’re seeing great results for fish, with more than one million juvenile salmon and steelhead swimming safely downstream to continue their journey to the ocean.”

PGE’s hydroelectric facilities continue to play a crucial role in Oregon’s transition to clean energy. The company aims to use hydropower as a key resource in meeting its 2030 and 2040 clean energy targets while maintaining a reliable power supply for its customers. These upgrades not only enhance energy production but also demonstrate PGE’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of local wildlife.