University of Utah representatives participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Castle Solar project on July 17, 2024. Lissa Larson, associate director, University of Utah Sustainability & Energy was one of the presenters.
Lissa Larson, associate director of University of Utah Sustainability & Energy was one of the presenters at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Castle Solar project on July 17, 2024.
“The University of Utah is proud to be a part of the Castle Solar project that will provide more than 20% of the U’s purchased electricity,” said Larson. “This investment will make a measurable impact on the university’s carbon footprint and stabilizing our operational costs. Castle Solar also invests in the Utah community by shining a light on new energy investments and Utah’s potential to meet rising electricity needs.”
Castle Solar commenced operations on April 2, 2024. Coupled with the geothermal energy contract signed in 2018, the university’s operations now derive nearly 70% of its electricity from renewable sources, aligning with the U’s strategic goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
Castle Solar is a 40-megawatt alternating current (MWac) solar facility located in Emery County, Utah. The project began construction in 2021 and was acquired from Enyo Renewable Energy in 2020.
Sustainability is at the heart of this initiative. The university acknowledges that achieving carbon neutrality requires large-scale renewables, which is supported by the recent Climate Action Plan update. Castle Solar reduces the environmental impact of the electrical grid, lowering local emissions and improving regional air quality. Castle Solar will provide more than 20% of the university’s purchased electricity.
As traditional energy becomes more expensive, solar power becomes a cost-effective alternative. The university benefits from a fixed electricity rate for 25 years, providing predictable energy costs. Given the historical trend of rising electricity prices since 2010, the university is projected to save nearly $40 million over the contract’s duration without any increase in operational expenses.
This project provides economic benefits for Utah in addition to cost savings. Rocky Mountain Power’s Schedule 32 rate tariff establishes a precedent for power purchase agreements, allowing large energy customers in the state to select their energy source. The university’s leadership in adopting this structure enables other community energy users to follow suit.
Hundreds of jobs were created during construction, and the project will generate substantial tax revenue for Emery County over its lifetime. The lease agreement will return some funds to Utah by siting the project on state trust lands, which raise revenue to support public schools and institutions.
The Castle Solar project is a beacon of sustainable development, embodying the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility, cost-effectiveness, and a greener future. Its impact extends beyond campus boundaries, fostering economic growth and paving the way for a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape. This project has been made possible by the U’s partners at D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and Rocky Mountain Power.
At the ribbon cutting on July 17th, 2024, the University of Utah was represented by Dana Holmes, Lissa Larson, Joan Scholz, and David Quinlivan. Lissa Larson gave brief remarks thanking our partners in this effort, while David Quinlivan cut the ribbon on behalf of the University. This work is only possible through the work of the Sustainability & Energy group in Facilities, the more extensive Facilities department, and the Office of Sustainability.