One of the Largest Solar-Plus-Storage Facilities Goes Live in Utah
Utah has started commercial operations at the Green River Energy Center in Emery County, a large renewable energy project developed by rPlus Energies. The facility combines 400 megawatts (MW) of solar generation with a 400 MW / 1,600 megawatt-hour battery storage system, making it one of the largest hybrid solar-plus-storage installations in the region served by PacifiCorp.
The project marks a major expansion of grid-scale battery storage in the western United States. Its storage capacity was increased from an earlier plan of 400 megawatt-hours to 1,600 megawatt-hours, allowing it to store more solar energy and supply power during peak demand periods. This improves grid reliability and helps balance variable renewable generation.
With more than $1 billion in investment, the project created hundreds of construction jobs and involved local contractors, providing an economic boost to the area. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has linked the development to the state’s “Operation Gigawatt” strategy, which aims to expand reliable, locally produced energy.
The project is also expected to generate over $55 million in property tax revenue for local schools and public services, along with $375,000 in scholarships for students pursuing energy-related careers. Now operational, the Green River Energy Center stands as one of the largest solar-plus-storage facilities in the United States, strengthening renewable energy integration and grid stability.
