Large-scale Solar Farm in
Tooele County
Tooele County
Brings Additional Renewable Energy to Utah Cities
After overcoming several unanticipated challenges, a significant solar farm is now operational in Tooele County, west of the Great Salt Lake. Spanning 550 acres, the Elektron Solar Project adds a robust renewable energy source for several Utah entities eager to transition to cleaner power.
Officials including Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Park City Mayor Nann Worel marked the opening of the solar farm, developed by D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments and SOLV Energy, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. “This is the largest renewable energy initiative Salt Lake City has ever been a part of,” Mendenhall declared, underscoring the project’s potential impact on Utah’s renewable energy landscape.
Powering Cities and Institutions
Despite its recent official opening, the 80-megawatt solar farm has been operational since mid-May. The energy it generates feeds into the Rocky Mountain Power grid and benefits entities like Salt Lake City, Park City, Summit County, Park City Mountain, Deer Valley Resort, and Utah Valley University (UVU). These entities have entered into 20-25-year power purchase agreements tied to the farm’s output.
The solar farm supplies 80-85% of the electricity needs for Salt Lake City’s municipal-owned buildings and over 90% of UVU’s buildings. “Despite a couple unexpected challenges, the determination of every partner here today has brought us to this incredible moment,” Mendenhall added.
Overcoming Global Challenges
Initial planning for the project began five years ago, with completion initially expected in 2023. However, the project faced several unexpected hurdles. These included U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s hold on silicon-based products from Hoshine Silicon Industry Co. due to labor ethics concerns and subsequent federal policies that disrupted the solar market. Additional challenges included the passage of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which further complicated the solar market, and supply chain issues exacerbated by rising interest rates.
Solar Energy to Meet Ambitious Sustainability Goals
The solar farm will support several groups in their bid to significantly cut or entirely offset carbon emissions in the coming decades. Salt Lake City officials indicate that the solar farm is a significant stride towards the city’s goal of sourcing 100% net renewable energy by 2030. “Today’s residents and future generations depend on our unshakable commitment to sustainability,” said Mendenhall.
Entities that have signed power purchase agreements have similar sustainability objectives. Deer Valley Resort aims for 100% net renewable sources by 2030, while Park City Mountain targets a “zero net operating footprint” by the end of the decade. UVU aims to be carbon neutral by 2050, with the solar farm playing a crucial role in achieving this objective.
More Renewable Energy Developments on the Horizon
The Elektron Solar Project will soon join other renewable energy projects underway in Utah. D. E. Shaw’s website lists several Utah projects slated to be operational in 2024, which will add 195 megawatts to the grid. A central Utah project, expected to be completed next year, will contribute another 300 megawatts.
Original Story at www.ksl.com