USDA invests in clean energy projects in rural Utah: Moroni restaurant benefits from solar initiative | News, sports, jobs

SALT LAKE CITY – In a significant boost for rural clean energy initiatives, U.S. Department of Agriculture State Director Michele Weaver announced a $1,162,239 investment in 11 clean energy projects in rural Utah. Funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the investment is intended to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy and create jobs for Utah agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Among the recipients is Shalan’s Enterprises, Inc. in Moroni, a small walk-up restaurant that will receive a $20,000 grant to install a photovoltaic (PV) system.

Moroni’s Solar Initiative

Shalan’s Enterprises, Inc., located in the heart of Moroni, is set to begin its green energy journey with the installation of a 9.49-kilowatt (kW) rooftop photovoltaic system. The project is expected to replace 23 percent of the restaurant’s annual electricity usage, significantly reducing energy costs and promoting sustainability. For a small business like Shalan’s, this switch to solar power not only represents financial savings, but also a commitment to the environment.

Broader impact on rural Utah

The USDA investment extends beyond Moroni, impacting multiple regions across Utah. In Box Elder County, NooSun Dairy in Corrine will receive $99,250 to install a 100-kilowatt solar photovoltaic system that will replace 285,940 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year and save the farm $25,734 per year. Similarly, Jackson Excavation Inc. in Wayne County will use a $47,381 grant to install a 20.44-kilowatt solar system designed to replace 109 percent of its historical annual electricity demand, facilitating business expansion and saving the farm $4,349 per year.

Commitment to energy independence of rural areas

Michele Weaver highlighted the importance of these investments, stating, “Providing Utah’s rural farmers and small businesses with affordable ways to reduce energy costs strengthens Utah’s energy independence and economy. USDA and the Biden Administration are excited to offer programs that reduce the impacts of inflation and climate change.”

The projects announced today are part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which aims to grow the nation’s economy from the center to the bottom. These initiatives will create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities through clean energy projects that lower energy costs for agricultural producers and rural small businesses and families.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

REAP, a key component of these initiatives, helps rural producers and small business owners increase their use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and small hydropower. These innovations help increase income, grow businesses, address climate change and lower energy costs for American families. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $9.7 million in Utah through REAP, supporting 129 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.

Future opportunities and resources

USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will conduct funding competitions quarterly through September 30, 2024. Interested parties can contact Utah Energy Coordinator Landon Mayer at [email protected] for additional information. The new Rural Energy Resource Guide, unveiled today, will make it easier for rural communities to identify federal funding for clean energy. The guide highlights USDA Rural Development programs that fund renewable energy systems and infrastructure, offering funding for energy-efficient home repairs, small- and large-scale energy infrastructure, and clean energy production.

A vision of a sustainable future

USDA’s commitment to clean energy is part of a broader effort to transform America’s food system, promote more equitable markets, ensure access to nutritious food, build new markets for farmers who adopt climate-smart practices, and make historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy in rural America. These initiatives aim to build a more resilient and equitable food system while supporting rural communities on their path to sustainability.

More information about USDA programs and services can be found at www.usda.gov.

The investment in Shalan’s Enterprises, Inc. in Moroni is proof of the positive impact clean energy projects can have on rural communities. By embracing renewable energy, small businesses like Shalan are not only reducing their carbon footprint, but also paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. As the USDA continues to support initiatives like this, rural Utah stands to benefit from lower energy costs, job creation, and increased economic growth.

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