Amazon’s Solar Project acquisition in Oregon has been successfully finalized, with a U.S. bankruptcy court approving the deal. This strategic move means Amazon Energy will now own the 1.2 GW Sunstone project, a significant addition to its renewable energy assets. The former developer, Pine Gate Renewables, had filed for bankruptcy, leading to this crucial acquisition. This development marks a pivotal moment for the tech giant and advances a major renewable energy asset toward construction, directly impacting large scale solar farms.
Amazon Solar Project Secures Major Oregon Renewable Energy Development
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas has officially sanctioned Amazon Energy’s purchase of the Sunstone project for $83 million. Amazon’s subsidiary, Oregon Solar 1 LLC, emerged as the winning bidder in a court-supervised auction that followed Pine Gate Renewables’ Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The Sunstone project, located in Morrow County, Oregon, features 1.2 gigawatts of solar power alongside substantial battery storage projects, positioning it as one of the largest shovel-ready projects of its kind in the U.S., with all necessary environmental reviews already complete. This Amazon Solar Project acquisition solidifies Amazon’s commitment to Oregon renewable energy.
Sunstone Project Details and Amazon’s Strategic Acquisition
The Sunstone project has a multifaceted history, initially developed by Gallatin Power Partners before Pine Gate Renewables acquired the site in 2023. With final discretionary approval granted by the Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council prior to Pine Gate’s bankruptcy, the project’s permits are fully in place, simplifying the acquisition process for the Amazon Solar Project. Spanning nearly 9,500 acres of farmland, the project is designed to power approximately 800,000 homes annually and includes a crucial 7,200 MWh battery storage capacity to stabilize the local grid. These Sunstone project details highlight its immense scale and importance.
Pine Gate’s Financial Struggles and the Amazon Solar Project Sale
Pine Gate Renewables faced severe financial challenges, leading to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in late 2025 with approximately $600 million in debt. High interest rates and interconnection delays significantly contributed to its insolvency. Consequently, much of Pine Gate’s project portfolio went up for sale, with the Sunstone project being its largest single asset. The $83 million sale, now part of the Amazon Solar Project acquisition, will serve to repay secured creditors, demonstrating the impact of the Pine Gate bankruptcy on the renewable energy landscape.
A Strategic Shift for Amazon’s Energy Portfolio
This acquisition represents a significant strategic shift for Amazon, moving beyond traditional power purchase agreements (PPAs) to direct ownership of the Sunstone project. This direct ownership of the Amazon Solar Project provides greater control, which is particularly vital for Amazon’s expanding data center energy needs in the Pacific Northwest. Having previously faced power supply constraints in Oregon, Amazon’s direct ownership of the Sunstone project ensures a dedicated energy source, independent of third-party agreements, allowing for better management of its power generation schedule for its growing Amazon data center energy requirements.
Project Details and Timeline for the Amazon Solar Project
Construction for the Amazon Solar Project is scheduled to commence in 2026, with Amazon collaborating with Gallatin Power Partners to manage the remaining development phases. The project encompasses 1.2 GW of solar photovoltaic capacity and 7,200 MWh of battery storage, essential for grid balancing. Situated in Morrow County, a burgeoning clean energy hub, this Amazon Solar Project is one of the largest solar farms approved in the U.S. and will interconnect with the Bonneville Power Administration grid via the Umatilla Electric Cooperative system, showcasing a thoughtful approach to development on former farmland.
Implications for Oregon Renewable Energy and Beyond
The successful acquisition of the Amazon Solar Project by Amazon holds significant implications for Oregon renewable energy. It ensures the progression of a major clean energy project, bolstering the state’s capacity and aligning with its ambitious renewable energy targets. This event also reflects a broader industry trend where large tech companies are increasingly prioritizing direct ownership of generation assets to meet their substantial energy demands, particularly for large scale solar farms. The future construction of the Sunstone project promises economic benefits for the region and highlights the synergistic relationship between digital infrastructure and clean energy deployment. The smooth transition through the bankruptcy court auction underscores the resilience of renewable energy assets.
Conclusion on the Amazon Solar Project
The bankruptcy court’s approval of Amazon’s acquisition marks a critical milestone, securing the future of the large-scale Sunstone project. This solar and storage facility, now part of Amazon’s direct energy asset ownership strategy, is poised to become a major force in Oregon’s energy landscape and addresses the essential need for reliable Amazon data center energy. The commencement of construction for this Amazon Solar Project will significantly contribute to clean energy goals and demonstrates the evolving corporate strategies in response to growing power demands, particularly following the Pine Gate bankruptcy. This successful transfer of renewable energy assets is a testament to the viability of large scale solar farms.
