TOOELE COUNTY, Utah — A group of Utah Valley University (UVU) students and faculty made the trek to Rocky Mountain Power’s ribbon cutting of its new Elektron solar farm west of the Great Salt Lake in late June to celebrate the farm’s ability to provide 92% of UVU’s power needs through renewable energy.

The UVU group celebrated the ribbon cutting with other state and regional officials, including Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. UVU’s group included Dr. Daniel Horns, dean of the College of Science; Sarah Bateman, UVU’s program manager of Sustainability Outreach; along with UVU students Ivy Allred, Diego Martinez Cardenas, Diana Molina, Gabriela Nava, Kaleb Rodriguez, and Emme Uwase.

“It [the ribbon cutting] was an exciting experience where I learned about the project’s significance for both UVU and Utah,” said UVU student Diego Martinez Cardenasa. “I appreciated seeing firsthand how UVU is investing in a greener future, promoting innovation, and preparing us to be leaders in sustainability.”

By embracing renewable energy, UVU is making a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint and combating air pollution. This commitment aligns with the university’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

When UVU announced its intent to become a solar farm customer in 2021, UVU President Astrid S. Tuminez said, “We are thankful for the partnership with Rocky Mountain Power that enables us to continue to make great strides towards our commitment to energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint in Utah Valley. We are proud to do our share towards cleaner air in Utah and a greener and more sustainable environment.”

The 80-megawatt solar farm sits on 550 acres of land west of the Great Salt Lake, is managed by the Utah Trust Lands Administration, and is a former Superfund site. It began operating at the end of May 2024.

“I love UVU’s commitment to future generations, and this new solar farm is an outstanding example of how actions speak louder than words,” said UVU student Kaleb Rodriguez. “I took pride in knowing that we were the only educational institution invested in this project. UVU’s goals have continued to go beyond discussion and into action, and that is just one of the many reasons why I love this school.”

The benefits of the Elektron Solar Project extend beyond UVU. As the largest solar installation in the state, it will provide clean energy to thousands of homes and businesses, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a greener future. By embracing clean energy, UVU and Rocky Mountain Power are leading the way toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.