BayWa r.e. PR with PacifiCorp and The Portland Trail Blazers

Two longtime partners, already banded together around renewable energy and energy efficiency, have agreed to a multi-year extension and enhancement of that relationship.

The Portland Trail Blazers and Pacific Power have reached agreement on a new partnership with BayWa r.e. that will 'green' 100% of the Moda Center's electricity usage through Pacific Power with renewable energy certificates generated by wind energy produced at BayWa r.e.'s Chopin Wind Project. Located near Milton-Freewater in Umatilla County, Oregon, Chopin Wind is an operating wind facility featuring six (6) GE wind turbines with power generating capabilities of more than 31,000 megawatt-hours of energy per year. 

"For the Trail Blazers and Moda Center, this marks an expansion and transformation of one of our most-valued corporate partnerships," said Chris McGowan, President & CEO of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. "Pacific Power has been key to our commitment to efficient energy use and environmental stewardship dating back to 2008. We will continue to lead by example with investments in clean energy that we hope Trail Blazers fans and other partners will emulate." 

"The Trail Blazers have been helping Pacific Power lead the way towards the clean energy future that we all want for many years," said Stefan Bird, President & CEO of Pacific Power. "This new milestone marks a first as Pacific Power is able to help the Trail Blazers support clean energy from a specific wind project right here in Oregon, the BayWa r.e. Chopin Wind project out near Milton-Freewater. The Trail Blazers challenged us to help them do more, and today we have delivered on that challenge."

Under the new agreement, the Trail Blazers and its venue operating company Rip City Management become the first entities to purchase renewable energy certificates through Pacific Power's Blue Sky Select from a specific renewable project. The Trail Blazers will be able to reduce its carbon footprint by 9,169,364 pounds of CO2 by supporting 10,144,000 kilowatt hours of renewable energy annually. 

"As an international developer of renewable energy resources, BayWa r.e. is proud to contribute to this important local partnership with our new Chopin Wind Project," stated Florian Zerhusen, President & CEO of BayWa r.e. Wind, LLC. "BayWa r.e. developed, constructed and operates the 10MW wind facility which it placed into service in October 2016. The six GE 1.7 wind turbines are using 103m diameter rotor blades. Located in Umatilla County, Eastern Oregon, the project is directly connected into PacifiCorp power lines, supplying clean energy for decades to come." 

Fan engagement and community outreach will be visible pillars in the new relationship, with Pacific Power as the presenting partner for the "Energy Game" during the 2018-19 season's annual series of league-wide NBA Green Games. Pacific Power will also launch a new consumer-friendly website www.poweringgreatness.com featuring the excitement of Trail Blazers basketball and the passion of Trail Blazers fans.

Pacific Power | www.pacificpower.net

Portland Trail Blazers | www.trailblazers.com

BayWa r.e. | www.baywa-re.com