SALT LAKE CITY – In a significant boost to rural clean energy initiatives, U.S. Department of Agriculture State Director Michele Weaver announced a $1,162,239 investment in 11 clean energy projects across rural Utah. This investment, funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, aims to lower energy bills, expand access to clean energy, and create jobs for Utah agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Among the beneficiaries is Shalan’s Enterprises, Inc. in Moroni, a small walk-up restaurant that will receive a $20,000 grant to install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

Moroni’s solar initiative

Shalan’s Enterprises, Inc., located in the heart of Moroni, is set to embark on a green energy journey with the installation of a 9.49-kilowatt (kW) solar PV roof-mounted system. This project is expected to replace 23 percent of the restaurant’s annual electric use, significantly reducing energy costs and promoting sustainability. For a small business like Shalan’s, this shift to solar energy represents not only financial savings but also a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Broader impact across rural Utah

The USDA’s investment extends beyond Moroni, impacting various regions across Utah. In Box Elder County, NooSun Dairy in Corrine will receive $99,250 to install a 100 kW solar array, which will replace 285,940 kilowatt hours (kWh) per year and save the farm $25,734 annually. Similarly, Jackson Excavation Inc. in Wayne County will utilize a $47,381 grant to install a 20.44 kW solar PV system, designed to displace 109 percent of the historic annual electric demand, facilitating business expansion and saving $4,349 annually.

A commitment to rural energy independence

Michele Weaver highlighted the importance of these investments, stating, “Providing Utah rural agricultural producers and small businesses with affordable ways to lower energy costs strengthens Utah’s energy independence and economy. USDA and the Biden Administration are excited to offer programs that reduce the impacts of inflation and climate change.”

The projects announced today are part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which aims to grow the nation’s economy from the middle out and bottom up. These initiatives will create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities through clean energy projects that lower energy costs for agriculture producers and rural small businesses and families.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

The REAP program, a key component of these initiatives, helps agricultural producers and rural small business owners expand their use of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, geothermal, and small hydropower. These innovations help increase income, grow businesses, address climate change, and lower energy costs for American families. Since the start of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA has invested more than $9.7 million in Utah through REAP, supporting 129 renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.

Future opportunities and resources

USDA continues to accept REAP applications and will hold funding competitions quarterly through September 30, 2024. Interested parties can contact Utah Energy Coordinator Landon Mayer at landon.mayer@usda.gov for additional information. The new “Rural Energy Resource Guide,” unveiled today, will make it easier for rural communities to identify federal funding for clean energy. The guide showcases USDA Rural Development programs that finance renewable energy systems and infrastructure, offering funding for energy-efficient home repairs, small- or large-scale energy infrastructure, and clean energy production.

A vision for a sustainable future

USDA’s commitment to clean energy is part of a broader effort to transform America’s food system, promote fairer markets, ensure access to nutritious food, build new markets for farmers using climate-smart practices, and make historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy in rural America. These initiatives aim to build a more resilient and equitable food system while supporting rural communities in their journey toward sustainability.

For more information on USDA’s programs and services, visit www.usda.gov.

The investment in Shalan’s Enterprises, Inc. in Moroni is a testament to the positive impact that clean energy projects can have on rural communities. By embracing renewable energy, small businesses like Shalan’s are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. As USDA continues to support such initiatives, rural Utah stands to benefit from lower energy costs, job creation, and enhanced economic growth.