A safe, reliable and environmentally sound way to store and generate electricity.
STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE GOLDENDALE PROJECT
For many years, the Columbia Gorge Aluminum smelter was a cornerstone of Klickitat County's economy, providing hundreds of family-wage jobs. The remediation efforts underway mean the property could once again offer jobs and economic benefits to the community.
The Goldendale project will support more than 3,000 family-wage jobs over its construction period. These will be good-paying union jobs in the building and construction trades, ranging from electricians to laborers to heavy-machinery operators. Over the four-year construction period, Goldendale will employ a broad range of apprentices, allowing people to earn money while they learn a trade.
Community
SUPPORTING LOCAL ECONOMIES
The Goldendale project is located about eight miles southeast of Goldendale, Washington, in the Columbia River Gorge, and two hours east of Portland. The Gorge is an important center of energy production and high-tech innovation.
Located within the Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone, Goldendale is a vital project for the region. Mid-Columbia Economic Development District's (MCEDD) Economic Development Strategy lists Goldendale as its No. 2 priority project in Washington state. MCEDD also plays an important role in supporting nearby Hood River County’s implementation of its energy plan, which includes carbon emission reduction goals.
Dig Deeper
As part of a rigorous permitting process with state and local government as well as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the Goldendale Energy Storage Project completed environmental, engineering, and cultural studies to identify the solution with the least impact to natural systems, existing landowners, cultural resources and the community. See Resources for all supporting documents.