GPI's Monique Claiborne Appears in the Oregonian

European alternative energy companies weigh NW expansions, says Portland booster on trade mission

GPI CEO, Monique Claiborne, attended a 7-day mission to Brussels and Madrid hosted by the European Union. During this mission, she engaged in vital discussions with 10 US and 27 EU leaders on global economic vitality, spanning topics from renewable energy to international policy and highlighting Greater Portland's strategic appeal. The following article appeared in The Oregonian.

At least three European alternative-energy companies are considering new manufacturing operations in or around Portland, according to representatives of an economic development group who met with the companies on a trade mission this week.

Monique Claiborne, chief executive of Greater Portland Inc., said she spoke with representatives of each company during a seven-day trip to Belgium and Spain last week organized and paid for by the European Union. They include:

• A “clean ammonia” producer that would manufacture and export the chemical, commonly used as fertilizer, to Asia for use as an alternative fuel. The company would produce low-carbon intensity ammonia, Claiborne said.
• A supplier for wind-energy companies that would open a manufacturing facility to serve a major client, the Spanish renewable power company Iberdrola. That company’s U.S. subsidiary, Avangrid Renewables, is headquartered in Portland.
• A third company with U.S. operations that would manufacture prefabricated components for renewable energy generation.

A fourth company with operations in Vancouver is considering expansion in Massachusetts, Claiborne said. The group hopes to convince the company to expand at its existing site instead.

Claiborne, speaking from Madrid, declined to name the companies.

“When you look at Portland’s competitive industries,” she said, “in climate tech, there’s an interest in the region.”

Oregon, she said, is appealing because of its highly educated workforce and proximity to Asian markets — but also because of available subsidies.

European firms have renewed interest in U.S. expansion because of subsidies available through the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Oregon will award $50,000 in public dollars to companies applying for federal funds through the act.

The companies considering Oregon expansions may also look to tap the governor’s strategic reserve fund.

Claiborne said the trade trip had its origins in the World Athletics Championships held last year in Eugene. As part of the event, the organization hosted a delegation from the EU in addition to companies from Europe, Asia and Canada.