A massive solar project in Utah will supply affordable energy and boost local economy

A new solar and storage facility in Emery County, Utah, will generate enough electricity to power 88,000 homes while helping stabilize energy prices.

Alixel Cabrera reports for the Utah News Dispatch.


In short:

  • The $1.1 billion Green River Energy Center will produce 400 megawatts of solar power and store energy for peak demand periods.
  • The project is expected to create 500 jobs during construction and provide $55 million in local tax revenue over 20 years.
  • Solar power could help mitigate Utah's rising energy costs, offering a low-cost, renewable alternative to fuel-based power.

Key quote:

“The beauty of solar is that once it’s installed, you’re not subject to fuel volatility, as we are with other sources of energy.”

— Theresa Foxley, chief of staff at rPlus Energies

Why this matters:

As energy prices rise due to fossil fuel volatility, large solar projects like this offer a sustainable solution. They not only provide affordable energy but also support local economies and grid stability.

Related:

An aerial view of two farmers standing next to raised beds

Study: Regenerative agriculture farms hold key climate solutions

A major study comparing 200 U.S. farms found that advanced regenerative farming practices increased soil carbon storage by nearly 40% compared with conventional methods while supporting greater biodiversity.

A city skyline with a layer of haze above the buildings

Why more than half the world has likely breathed unhealthy air this year

Even as many countries have made progress in cutting ozone-fueling emissions, high temperatures can outweigh those gains.
A large glacier with mountains in the background

This climate data scientist explains what the numbers really mean

Hannah Ritchie offers advice based on her many years studying the data behind clean energy, electric vehicles, and other climate solutions.
A group of icebergs floating around

Thwaites is a runaway climate disaster. New studies show how

Melt from the "Doomsday Glacier" could drown coastlines around the world. And the outlook is getting even worse.
A man putting his vote in a ballot box in the U.S.

Data centers are ‘front and center’ in Pennsylvania’s competitive congressional elections

But with bipartisan opposition growing, it’s still unclear how the issue will affect the midterm results.
Electric vehicle robotic assembley line

Electric vehicle tax credits losing their luster for Democrats

President Donald Trump’s attacks on Biden-era electric vehicle policy is hampering Democrats’ ambitions to bring back buyer incentives.

A view of a city skyline with a freeway heading toward it

A landmark youth climate trial against the Canadian government is about to begin

The trial comes as Canada rolls back climate policies amidst an alarming government report on dangerous trajectory.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.