Apex Clean Energy gives update on paired Bonanza project in Oregon

Apex Clean Energy has taken over the 1100 MW Bonanza paired project from Hecate Energy, having closed the deal in late July 2023.

Drew Christensen, Apex’s spokesperson for the project and senior director of public engagement, told NPM that the solar and storage project is expected to still be located at the original site where Hecate had hoped to build, which is in Klamath County, Oregon.

Additionally, Apex plans on keeping the project name the same.

“We are currently evaluating offtake prospects and solidifying interconnection for the project,” Christensen said, adding that the project is a combined solar and storage project and the balance between the technologies could evolve as studies are completed and offtake conversations mature.

Christensen added that Apex is in discussions with permitting authorities now, though nothing has been filed on the application yet. The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) confirmed this to NPM as well.

When asked about project cost, Christensen said that this couldn’t be provided yet until more studies are done, and offtake is determined.

He did add that more information may be available in June.

Bonanza is anticipated to have a commercial operation date (COD) in late 2026 or 2027.

NPM had reported in June 2022 that Hecate was seeking to raise project level equity, via PEI Global, for the project, then forecasted to be 300 MW of solar and up to 1,100 MW of storage. Later Hecate indicated it was looking to downsize the project in over to overcome local opposition to the project.

*This story was originally published exclusively for NPM subscribers last month.

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