USDA invests more than $1 million in clean energy projects in rural Utah

SALT LAKE CITY — The rural Beehive State is slowly becoming a hotbed of clean energy. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday it is investing $1.1 million in 11 clean energy projects across the state.

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

While smaller in scale, the latest 11 clean energy projects will still help lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs for Utah’s agriculture sector and rural small businesses.

“Providing Utah’s rural farmers and small businesses with affordable ways to reduce their energy costs strengthens Utah’s energy independence and economy,” Michele Weaver, USDA Utah State Director, said 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 Rural Energy for America Reduction Act and are part of the Rural Energy for America program, which aims to ensure that 40% of the overall benefits from designated federal investment areas in climate, clean energy and other areas go to “disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution,” according to a USDA release.

The most important elements of the investment include:

• NooSun Creamery in Corrine, Box Elder County: A second-generation family dairy farm has been selected to receive a $99,250 grant to purchase and install a 100-kilowatt solar array to help offset energy costs associated with farming operations. The project will replace 285,940 kilowatt-hours per year and save the farm $25,734 per year.
• Jackson Excavations at Bicknell, Wayne County: A Utah excavation company plans to use a $47,381 grant for a 20.44-kilowatt rooftop solar system. The system is estimated to save the company $4,349 per year and replace 109% of its historical annual electricity needs, as well as support anticipated business expansion.
• Shalan in Moroni, Sanpete County: This small but beloved restaurant will receive a $20,000 grant to purchase and install a 9.49-kilowatt roof-mounted photovoltaic system that will replace 23% of the restaurant’s annual electricity use.

Under the Biden administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has invested more than $9.7 million in Utah through its Rural Energy for America program for 129 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvement projects.

The Department continues to accept applications for the Rural Energy for America program and will conduct competitive funding rounds on a quarterly basis through September 30, 2024.

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