rPlus Energies reached the start of commercial operations for the Green River Energy Center, a large-scale solar and battery energy storage project located in Emery County, Utah. The facility features 400 MW of solar capacity and a 400 MW/1600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS).
Project scale and capacity
The Green River Energy Center is the largest solar and storage facility within the six-state service territory of PacifiCorp. The project's launch follows Utah Governor Spencer Cox's 2024 announcement of Operation Gigawatt, an initiative intended to double the state's energy production over a 10-year period.
Alignment with state energy goals
Governor Cox stated that Green River Energy Center represents the type of large scale energy investment required to deliver reliable energy and support rural Utah. He noted that the project aligns with the goals of Operation Gigawatt to ensure the state has homegrown energy to power future opportunities.
Benefits for regional energy infrastructure
US Senator John Curtis commented that the project serves as an important example of an all-of-the-above approach to meeting growing energy needs. He noted that the investment strengthens energy infrastructure and supports both workers and communities while helping ensure affordable power for families and businesses across the West.
Economic impact and local employment
The project is expected to generate more than US$55 million in property taxes for public services and schools. During the construction phase, the project employed hundreds of workers and utilized several local contractors.
Educational scholarships for future workforce
To support the long-term regional workforce, project partners committed US$375,000 in scholarships for local students pursuing careers in local or energy-related industries.
Official commissioning ceremony details
The commissioning of the center was celebrated during an on-site ceremony held on 22 June 2026, which included attendees such as Governor Spencer Cox, project partners, and community members. Luigi Resta, President and CEO of rPlus Energies, noted that the project resulted from years of collaboration among all project partners to deliver reliable power to the American West.
