The Green River Energy Center solar generating project, developed in Emery County by rPlus Energies of Salt Lake City, has begun commercial power production. (rPlus Energies via Globe Newswire)
Salt Lake City-based rPlus Energies has announced the successful start of commercial operations for its Green River Energy Center, a 400-megawatt (MW) solar and 400 MW/1,600 megawatt-hour battery energy storage project located in Emery County.
"As the largest solar and storage facility within PacifiCorp's six-state service territory, Green River Energy Center highlights the growing role Utah continues to play in meeting the West's increasing energy needs," rPlus said in a statement.
In 2024, Gov. Spencer Cox announced Operation Gigawatt, an initiative aimed at doubling Utah's energy production over the next 10 years. The project reflects Utah's commitment to expanding reliable, affordable energy production through Operation Gigawatt, rPlus Energies said.
"Operation Gigawatt is about ensuring Utah has the reliable, homegrown energy needed to power opportunity for generations," said Cox. "Green River Energy Center represents the kind of large-scale energy investment we need to deliver reliable energy, support rural Utah, and help power the next generation of prosperity across our state."
"Meeting America's growing energy needs will require an all-of-the-above approach, and Green River Energy Center is an important example of that effort in action," said U.S. Sen. John Curtis. "This investment strengthens our energy infrastructure; supports Utah workers and communities; and helps ensure reliable, affordable power for families and businesses across the West. I congratulate everyone who helped bring this project from vision to reality."
Green River Energy Center will generate more than $55 million in property taxes for schools and public services, according to an analysis released by rPlus. During construction, the project employed hundreds of workers, including several local contractors for key components. Project partners committed $375,000 in scholarships for local students who plan to build their careers at home while strengthening the region's long-term workforce in local and energy-related industries.
"This project represents years of collaboration and commitment from all of the project partners," said Luigi Resta, rPlus Energies president and CEO. "Together, we believed in the vision and today Green River Energy Center is delivering reliable power and real value to families across the American West."
The successful commercialization of the project was celebrated during an on-site ceremony held in June and attended by Cox, project partners and community members and leaders
During the commissioning ceremony, project partners announced that they donated $45,000 to the Ferron Fire Department, located near the project, in support of local emergency response services and community infrastructure.
The project has received both national and local recognition, including Project Finance International's "Renewables Deal of the Year, Americas" and the Emery County Business Chamber's 2024 "Energy Company of the Year" award, in recognition of the project's long-term investment and impact in the region.