Elektron Solar Project Powers Up: 80 MWac Facility Achieves Commercial Operation in Tooele County

Today, E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) announced the successful commercial operation (COD) of the Elektron Solar Project, located in Tooele County, UT. With an 80 MWac capacity, Elektron Solar commenced construction in 2021 after being acquired from Enyo Renewable Energy in 2020.

Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer of DESRI, expressed excitement about completing construction, attributing the project’s success to robust partnerships with customers and local stakeholders amid challenges like supply chain constraints and rising interest rates.

Salt Lake City Sustainability Director Debbie Lyons hailed the project’s significance in fulfilling the city’s commitment to sourcing a major portion of its electricity from renewable sources, a promise made nearly eight years ago.

Elektron Solar has secured power purchase agreements with PacifiCorp under Rocky Mountain Power’s Schedule 34, serving a consortium of Utah customers including Salt Lake City, Park City, Summit County, Utah Valley University, Vail Resorts (representing Park City Mountain), and Deer Valley Resort. The facility’s generation capacity is estimated to power approximately 19,700 homes annually, as per metrics from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Rocky Mountain Power expressed satisfaction with the project’s contribution to their renewable energy initiatives, with Vice President Craig Eller highlighting the enabling role of Utah legislation in 2016.

Summit County Council Chair, Malena Stevens, emphasized collaboration as a core value, stating Elektron Solar aligns with the county’s goals for renewable energy use in its operations.

Deer Valley Resort President & COO Todd Bennett celebrated the project’s role in advancing their sustainability objectives, aiming for a 50% reduction in carbon emissions and 100% renewable energy usage by 2030.

Park City Mayor Nann Worel underscored the community’s dedication to clean energy, noting the project’s significance in powering various municipal operations and promoting collaboration among major energy users.

Deirdra Walsh, Vice President and COO of Park City Mountain, highlighted Elektron Solar’s contribution to achieving 100% renewable electricity at Park City Mountain since 2022, aligning with Vail Resorts’ commitment to sustainable operations and a zero net operating footprint by 2030.

Christine Mikell, CEO of Enyo Renewable Energy, expressed gratitude to all parties involved in making Elektron Solar a reality, particularly highlighting the project’s positive impact on regional grid resilience and carbon reduction efforts in Utah.

The financing for Elektron Solar’s construction was provided by NORD/LB, National Bank of Canada, and City National Bank, with tax equity investment from an affiliate of Goldman Sachs & Co. SOLV Energy served as the engineering, procurement, and construction contractor, now providing ongoing operations and maintenance services.