Renewable Energy Boom Fuels Rural Utah's Economic Growth

New study shows $8.4 billion in renewable energy investments and thousands of jobs in rural Utah communities

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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A new study from the Crossroads Economics Center at Weber State University has found that utility-scale renewable energy projects across Utah, including solar, wind, and geothermal, have generated $8.4 billion in construction and investment activity from 2007 to 2028. These projects have supported over 34,600 job-years of employment statewide, with 19,300 direct construction jobs. The ongoing operations of these facilities also support 1,570 permanent jobs and $244.6 million in annual economic output. The fiscal impact is especially significant for rural counties, generating $33 million per year in property tax revenue and $4 million in land lease payments to rural landowners.

Why it matters

This study highlights how renewable energy development is diversifying and strengthening rural economies in Utah, providing a significant economic engine beyond the state's urban centers. As Utah policymakers debate the future of energy in the state, these economic benefits of renewable energy in rural communities should be a key part of the conversation.

The details

The study found that 41 utility-scale renewable energy projects across Utah, including solar, wind, and geothermal, have generated $8.4 billion in construction and investment activity from 2007 to 2028. This construction activity has supported over 34,600 job-years of employment statewide, including 19,300 direct construction jobs. The ongoing operations of these facilities support 1,570 permanent jobs and $244.6 million in annual economic output, as well as $113.7 million in wages, salaries, and benefits. For rural counties, the fiscal impact is especially significant, generating $33 million per year in property tax revenue and $4 million in land lease payments to rural landowners.

  • The study covers the period from 2007 through 2028.
  • Since 2015, approximately 94% of new electric generating capacity added in Utah has been solar.

The players

Crossroads Economics Center at Weber State University

A research center that conducted the study on the economic impacts of renewable energy development in Utah.

The Western Way

The organization that commissioned the study from the Crossroads Economics Center.

Gov. Cox

The governor of Utah who launched Operation Gigawatt, a plan to double Utah's energy production over the next decade to meet growing demand.

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What they’re saying

“Utah's approach to energy has always been grounded in pragmatism and results. We don't have the luxury of treating energy as a political football when families need affordable power and rural communities need good-paying jobs.”

— Steve Handy, Former state legislator (deseret.com)

What’s next

The study's findings are expected to inform policymakers as they debate the future of energy in Utah and across the West, with a focus on the significant economic benefits of renewable energy development in rural communities.

The takeaway

Renewable energy development, including solar, wind, and geothermal, is proving to be a powerful economic engine for rural Utah, generating billions in investment, thousands of jobs, and critical tax revenue for local communities. These economic benefits should be a key consideration as Utah policymakers chart the state's energy future.