Rural Utah’s Green Money Boom
Utah’s western plains are turning sunshine, wind and heat into a real cash flow. A recent study shows that from 2007 to 2028, forty‑one large renewable projects—solar farms, wind turbines and geothermal plants—brought about $8.4 billion into the state’s economy. The money didn’t just sit in a bank; it paid workers, fed local businesses and added tax revenue for schools and fire stations.
Construction Boom
- 34,600 job‑years created across the state.
- Indirect jobs (electricians, suppliers) add $5.2 billion in output and $3.1 billion of value added to Utah’s GDP.
Ongoing Impact
Year‑by‑year, these facilities support:
- 1,570 permanent jobs
- $244.6 million in economic activity
- $113.7 million in wages and benefits
Rural Counties Reap the Rewards
- $33 million annually in property taxes.
- Landowners receive about $4 million each year in lease payments, diversifying communities once reliant on narrow industries.
Economics Over Politics
- No mandatory renewable portfolio standard.
- Since 2015, nearly 94 % of new power capacity has come from solar—simply cheaper.
- Geothermal, using proven drilling techniques, is poised for a big jump in the coming decade, especially in Beaver County.
Battery Storage Surge
- 1,170 MW of new and planned batteries.
- Construction could create about 6,300 additional job‑years.
- Adds $865 million to the economy.
Batteries smooth out variability of wind and sun, making the grid more reliable while keeping costs down.
Forward‑Looking Governance
Governor Cox’s “Operation Gigawatt” aims to double power production over the next ten years. Renewable energy, along with natural gas and nuclear, is a key part of that plan.
The study shows that expanding clean energy isn’t just good for the planet; it’s a smart economic move, especially for rural areas hosting these projects.
Policymakers can take heart in the numbers. The renewable boom is a clear, data‑backed argument that responsible energy development brings tangible benefits to communities across Utah. The state’s experience proves that clean power and economic growth can go hand in hand.
