Overview
- Ember data show that in May solar produced slightly more terawatt-hours in Utah than natural gas, making solar the state's largest source of generation for that month.
- The 75-megawatt Horseshoe Solar Project, which Rep. Celeste Maloy toured Monday, has its output contracted through Rocky Mountain Power to Meta’s Eagle Mountain data center.
- State leaders are promoting an 'all-of-the-above' strategy and programs such as Operation Gigawatt to expand capacity and attract energy investment across solar, nuclear, geothermal and hydro.
- Industry and advocates say falling levelized costs and strong local demand from data centers and other buyers are driving new projects even as federal policy has reduced renewable subsidies and favored fossil fuels.
- If current trends continue the state could see more utility-scale projects, local jobs in rural areas and stronger grid supply, though permitting, investment certainty and federal policy remain key hurdles.