About Obsidian
A recognized leader in Pacific Northwest renewable energy, green hydrogen and clean fuel infrastructure development
Our Developments
Obsidian is currently advancing multiple projects to deliver long-duration energy storage and low-carbon, low-emission fuels to customers in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. Several of these facilities are being developed to supply clean electricity and clean burning gas to the power sector as the region seeks to rapidly decarbonize its grid while wholesale loads grow. A subset of these sites will also produce eMethanol and other alternative fuels for maritime shipping and west coast transportation. Additionally, Obsidian has 500 MW of utility scale solar and BESS projects in operation or late-stage development in Oregon.
Pacific Northwest Legacy
Twenty Years and Counting
Obsidian operates from a long-standing position of leadership in the Pacific Northwest renewable energy sector. Our organization is shaped by a legacy of innovation dating back to 2003 with the pioneering of utility scale solar projects in the state of Oregon beginning in 2008. We are proud to have developed the first utility-scale solar energy facility in Bonneville Power Administration’s service territory, as well as the first solar facilities in PGE’s and PacifiCorp’s generating portfolios. Over the last two decades, Obsidian has grown into the largest independent Oregon-based developer of utility scale solar facilities and has built a community of trusted alliances that lead the region’s clean energy transition. We are long-standing members of the Community Renewable Energy Association (“CREA”) (serving on the Board of Directors), the Northwest and Intermountain Power Producers Coalition (“NIPPC”), the Solar and Storage Industries Association (“OSSIA”) and founding members of the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance (“RHA”).
Regional Leadership
Today, Obsidian sits at the center of the Pacific Northwest’s expanding hydrogen ecosystem. In 2023, Obsidian received direct encouragement from the US Department of Energy in connection with its hydrogen hub proposal for Oregon and Washington. Obsidian’s team, based in Portland, holds unique expertise in “Power-to-X” and “BECCS” (biomass with carbon capture and storage) projects, as well as, thermochemical conversion processes for the production of alternative clean fuels. We complement in-house development and engineering expertise with close technical partnerships in the areas of electrolysis, hydrogen fuel cells, combustion turbines and reciprocating engines.
Management
Comprising highly experienced professionals in the areas of renewable energy development, transmission, tax, law, finance, engineering and data science, Obsidian is a well-respected and influential voice on regional energy policy and a highly reliable development partner in the PNW region.
FOUNDER , CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND SENIOR PRINCIPAL
David W. Brown
Obsidian’s founder and Senior Principal, David Brown, brings a long history in tax law and finance as well as over 15 years as a ground-breaking renewable energy developer. Mr. Brown draws on a long career solving problems and navigating complex structures in a variety of industries. After his career in tax law, Mr. Brown co-founded the successful Obsidian group of companies, each with a focus on resolving difficult and complex problems in tax, finance, bankruptcy, forest products and energy. David sits on the board of Community Renewable Energy Association, is a long-standing member of Northwest & Intermountain Power Producers Coalition, Oregon Solar Energy Industry Association, the Bioenergy Deployment Consortium, and the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance and is widely regarded as an expert in renewable energy policy, tax credit finance and clean fuels development in the Pacific Northwest. Mr. Brown holds a Doctor of Law –Business from the University of Oregon Law School (80) and a B.Sc. from the Charles H. Lundquist School of Business (77).
Office: 503-542-8866
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND PRINCIPAL
John Cable
John Cable, is a clean economy entrepreneur and a partner in Obsidian Renewables. As Executive Vice President, John holds responsibility for business development, strategic joint venture formation and project financing on behalf of Obsidian’s renewable and clean fuels projects. Prior to joining Obsidian, Mr. Cable worked for two decades as an investment banker and an investor of institutional capital in privately held companies and projects. His transaction experience spans private equity backed acquisitions, debt and equity capital raises, joint venture and project financings, and growth equity investments. John is a member of the Northwest & Intermountain Power Producers Coalition of and is focused on hydrogen and other e-fuels project development in the Pacific Northwest. Mr. Cable holds an MBA from the Tuck Graduate School of Business at Dartmouth College (04) and a BA from Stanford University (99).
Office: 646-918-0067
Vice President, Renewable Energy Development
Laurie Hutchinson
As Vice President of Renewable Project Development at Obsidian, Laurie works on all aspects of project development –from site selection and landowner relations, to the coordination of permitting and related studies, interconnection with transmission and coordination with engineering, procurement and construction contractors. Additionally, Laurie overseas Obsidian’s existing solar plant operation and maintenance and is an important liaison with local communities. Laurie has been working in the solar industry since 2007. Prior to Obsidian, she worked in solar electric design, construction management and technical sales. Laurie served on the board of the Oregon Solar + Storage Industries Associations (OSSIA) from 2012 through 2018.
Office: 503-488-6153
Michelle Slater
Michelle has a unique combination of business and legal experience, negotiation, and interpersonal translation. Her legal experience ranges from complex commercial and regulated transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and renewable energy development. An attorney for over 25 years, she is also an experienced grant writer, project lead, and business advisor. She brings these experiences and skills to Obsidian, providing legal, business, and project management support. Michelle received her law degree from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon, and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College.
Work: 503-245-8800
Development Manager, Low Carbon Fuels
Matt Kirsch
Matt Kirsch is a clean fuels project developer at Obsidian Renewables, supporting solar and hydrogen project formation around the Pacific Northwest. Previously, he spent 7 years working on chemical process automation projects for the variety of clients in the manufacturing, utility, and technology development sectors. Matt has served as Vice Chair of the Renewable Hydrogen Alliance’s Washington Policy Subcommittee, on the Associate Boards of the nonprofits Oregon Environmental Council and Green Empowerment, and is certified in energy procurement (CEP) by the Association of Energy Engineers. Matt graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S.(Chemical Engineering).
Office: 503-245-5800
Senior Analyst, Low Carbon Fuels & Renewable Energy Development
Kirk Moore
Kirk Moore recently joined Obsidian Renewables after working for 10 years at Obsidian Finance Group, LLC. Kirk works on project development, focusing on financial modeling, contracting, project diligence and land use issues. While at Obsidian Finance he managed a portfolio of subprime bonds, served as Principal Agent to the United States Small Business Administration as Receiver for multiple investment funds, liquidated portfolios of real estate and helped manage complex litigation. Prior to joining Obsidian, Kirk practiced law with Harrang Long Gary Rudnick P.C. focusing on commercial finance, commercial litigation and labor and employment matters. Kirk received his J.D. from the University of Oregon in 2004 and his B.S. in business economics from Willamette University in 1997.
Office: 503-488-6151
P.E. C.W.R.E.Senior Consultant, Government and Community liaison
Shannon Souza
Shannon is an Oregon professional engineer and water right examiner supporting strategic growth, responsible development, and sustainable living since 1999. Her practice has included Low Impact Development, habitat restoration, public water supply planning and expansion, industrial waste minimization, net-zero design and energy resilience through local generation and storage. Her current focus is on the responsible and rapid integration of decarbonized fuels into the PNW constructed environment. Co-founder of Oregon Coast Energy Alliance Network (OCEAN) –author of Oregon’s state offshore wind planning goal. As Policy Director for Pacific Ocean Energy Trust (POET) she introduced OSW and advocated for integration of renewable hydrogen into OPUC policy and regional energy planning. She served for four years as Oregon Solar + Storage Industry Association’s (OSSIA) Policy Chair, and representative of the Professional Engineers of Oregon on Gov. Brown’s Resilience Mitigation Advisory Council. Oregon’s 2019 Engineer of the Year, she holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Santa Clara University.
Office Manager
Karyn Moscoe
Karyn Moscoe is the Office Manager at Obsidian Renewables and has supported all Obsidian companies since 2005. Karyn manages several areas of the company including Payroll, Benefits, Bookkeeping/financials, Purchasing and an extensive range of support. Prior to her work at Obsidian, Karyn worked in administration and procurement within the financial, high-tech, electronics, IT, medical, tax and retail industries. With Karyn’s diverse background she manages the Obsidian office including accounting, HR, purchasing, travel arrangements, and IT matters.
Office: 503-245-8800
Press
Past Projects
Obsidian Solar Center: 400 MW Solar / 50 MW Battery Storage (in development)
Obsidian Solar Center II: 300MW (in development)
ConnleySolar: 25 MW (in development)
Garrett Solar II: 8MW Solar / 2MW Battery Storage (in development)
Airport Solar: 47 MW (completed)
BC Solar: 8 MW (completed)
Black Cap: 2 MW (completed)
Garrett Solar: 10 MW (completed)
Old Mill: 5 MW (completed)
Outback Solar: 5 MW (completed)
Industry & Trade Associations
Employment
Obsidian hires exceptionally talented individuals with expertise in chemical engineering, renewable energy infrastructure project development. We are growing and seek employees that are committed to advancing technical knowledge and achieving outcomes in the areas of renewable energy and clean fuels production.