USDA investing over $1M in clean energy projects in Utah’s rural areas

SALT LAKE CITY — The rural reaches of the Beehive State are slowly becoming a hotbed for clean energy with the US Department of Agriculture on Friday announcing a $1.1 million investment in 11 clean energy projects across the state.

The latest infusion comes in the footsteps of Texas-based Fervo Energy breaking ground in September 2023 on the world’s largest next-generation geothermal energy project in Beaver County. The project will deliver 400 megawatts of 24/7 carbon-free electricity.

Though the scale of the latest 11 clean energy projects is smaller, they will still serve as a way to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs for Utah’s agriculture sector and small, rural businesses.

“Providing Utah rural agricultural producers and small businesses with affordable ways to lower energy costs strengthens Utah’s energy independence and economy,” said Michele Weaver, USDA’s Utah state director, in a statement. “USDA and the Biden administration are excited to offer programs that reduce the impacts of inflation and climate change.”

All 11 projects are funded by Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act and are part of the Rural Energy for America Program, which aims to ensure 40% of the overall benefits of certain federal climate, clean energy and other investment areas benefit “disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution,” according to a release from the USDA.

Highlights of the investment include:

• NooSun Dairy in Corrine, Box Elder County: The second-generation family dairy farm was selected to receive $99,250 in grant funds to purchase and install a 100-kilowatt solar array to help offset energy costs associated with agricultural operations. The project will replace 285,940 kilowatt hours per year and save the farm $25,734 annually.
• Jackson Excavation in Bicknell, Wayne County: The Utah excavation company is set to utilize a $47,381 grant to go toward a 20.44-kilowatt solar photovoltaic roof-mounted system. The system is estimated to save the company $4,349 annually and is designed to displace 109% of the historic annual electric demand and enable anticipated business expansion.
• Shalan’s in Moroni, Sanpete County: This small but much-loved restaurant will be the beneficiary of a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 9.49-kilowatt solar photovoltaic roof-mounted system that will replace 23% of the restaurant’s annual electric use.

During the Biden administration, the USDA has invested over $9.7 million in Utah through the Rural Energy for America Program in 129 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.

The department is still accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program and will hold funding competitions every quarter through Sept. 30, 2024.

A complete list of all 11 Utah Rural Energy for America Program projects can be found here.