SALT LAKE CITY (Aug. 6, 2020) — Rocky Mountain Power today announced the addition of three new solar energy projects to be built across Utah on behalf of Facebook for its data center in Eagle Mountain. The projects are developed under Rocky Mountain Power’s Schedule 34 green energy tariff, which allows large customers to purchase renewable energy generated on their behalf.
The three projects represent 235 megawatts of additional solar capacity in Utah and bring the total amount of in-state solar energy signed to support Facebook’s regional data centers to 694 megawatts, which is equivalent to 63 percent of the solar energy currently produced in Utah. These projects will support Facebook’s 100 percent renewable energy goal for its global operations in 2020 and beyond.
“We are so happy to partner with Rocky Mountain Power once more to bring an additional 235 megawatts of new solar energy to the Utah grid,” said Urvi Parekh, Head of Renewable Energy at Facebook. “This partnership has not only allowed us to make nearly 700 megawatts of new renewable energy projects a reality but helped bring additional investment and jobs to these Utah communities.”
The projects will be developed in rural Utah by rPlus Energies and D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments and Enyo Renewable Energy and are scheduled to be in service by 2023. The projects will provide important construction jobs and ongoing tax benefits for the counties where they are built.
· Graphite Solar, 80MW, Carbon County, developed by rPlus Energies
· Rocket Solar, 80MW, Box Elder County, developed by D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments and Enyo Renewable Energy
· Horseshoe Solar, 75MW, Tooele County, developed by D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments and Enyo Renewable Energy
“We applaud Facebook for committing to clean, renewable energy to power its data centers and working with Rocky Mountain Power to access the superb solar power available in Utah,” said Luigi Resta, CEO, rPlus Energies. “Projects like these, led by companies like Facebook, will drive the transition to a low carbon economy and work to mitigate the global challenge of climate change. Additionally, we look forward to developing projects that energize the local economy by adding jobs and tax revenue and continuing to grow the energy economy that is a rich tradition of Utah rural history."
“Our D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) team is thrilled to continue our work with Rocky Mountain Power and Facebook to deliver another 155 megawatts of cost-effective renewable power in Utah,” said Hy Martin, DESRI Chief Development Officer. “During these difficult economic times, these projects will create good jobs, tax revenue, and other local economic development in communities across the state.”
In addition to projects built under Schedule 34, PacifiCorp’s latest integrated resource plan will expand its low-cost renewable energy portfolio for all customers, including a current all-source request for proposals seeking over 1,800 megawatts of new solar co-located with almost 600 megawatts of battery energy storage system capacity and over 1,900 megawatts of wind resources to be in place by 2024. This reflects a least-cost, least-risk mix of resources to serve customers cost effectively and reliably.
About Rocky Mountain Power
Rocky Mountain Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than a million customers in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho. Rocky Mountain Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity providers in the United States serving nearly two million customers in six western states as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.rockymountainpower.net.
About rPlus Energies
rPlus Energies develops modern power plants to contribute to the rebuilding of America’s energy infrastructure. Through partnership with the private sector, municipalities, and utilities, rPlus helps organizations access a region’s best mix of renewable resources—including solar, wind, pumped-hydro, and biomass—to enable a more dispatchable and reliable power supply. rPlus Energies is a subsidiary of The Gardner Companies, family owned and operated since 1976, is dedicated to building better communities through thoughtful, sustainable practices in developing and managing real estate, renewable energy and technology, and providing results-oriented philanthropy. Learn more at www.rplusenergies.com
About D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI)
D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) and its affiliates develop, acquire, own, and manage long-term contracted renewable energy assets in North America. DESRI’s portfolio of renewable energy projects currently includes 42 wind and solar projects that represent more than 2,400 MW of aggregate capacity. DESRI is a member of the D. E. Shaw group, a global investment and technology development firm with more than $50 billion in investment and committed capital as of June 1, 2020, and offices in North America, Europe, and Asia.
About Enyo Renewable Energy
Enyo Renewable Energy, a joint venture between Enyo, LLC and MAP Energy, LLC, is a wind and solar development company specializing in developing utility-scale renewable energy projects. We treat our landowners as family and collaborate with local governments. Our specialized knowledge of Utah, as a Salt Lake-based company, coupled with our focus on building relationships allows Enyo to build for the long-term and for the benefit of communities and our partners.