As Utah continues to grow, so does the demand for reliable energy. Keeping up with that growth will take more than building new homes and attracting new businesses. It will take making sure we have the dependable power to support them.
From mining and manufacturing to oil, natural gas and renewable energy, our economy has been built by people who saw opportunity in the resources around us. That same spirit has helped make Utah one of the strongest economies in the country. As America’s energy needs continue to grow, we have another opportunity sitting right here at home: geothermal energy.
Geothermal energy solutions produce electricity around the clock, regardless of the weather or the time of day. For businesses making long-term investments, that kind of reliability matters.
As Utah continues to grow, dependable, homegrown power will only become more valuable.
Utah has built its reputation by looking ahead instead of standing still.
When companies decide where to invest, energy is part of the equation. They want to know the power will be there today, five years from now and 20 years from now. Geothermal helps provide that confidence while strengthening our grid and making greater use of resources right here in Utah.
Utah is in an especially strong position to take advantage of this opportunity. We have significant geothermal potential, a skilled workforce, decades of energy expertise and a culture that has never been afraid to embrace innovation.
Utah is already home to the Department of Energy’s Utah FORGE project, one of the country’s leading geothermal research sites. Those strengths can translate into new investment, good-paying jobs and opportunities for the businesses that help build and support major energy projects.
The impact extends well beyond power generation. Geothermal projects create work for engineers, geologists, drillers, construction crews, equipment suppliers and countless local businesses. They also bring new investment into communities, broaden the local tax base and create lasting economic opportunities, particularly in rural Utah.
This is not about choosing one energy source over another. Utah has benefited from a diverse energy portfolio, and that should continue. Geothermal simply adds another reliable tool to the toolbox, one that complements the resources we already depend on while helping meet growing demand for electricity.
Just a few years ago, some geothermal projects would have been difficult or too expensive to pursue. Today, advances in drilling and geothermal technology are changing that. Projects that once seemed out of reach are becoming increasingly practical, and both the Department of Energy’s work at Utah FORGE and growing private investment show the industry is gaining real momentum.
That is why Utah should continue encouraging research, investment and responsible geothermal development. Doing so is not simply about generating more electricity. It is about strengthening our economy, supporting good-paying jobs and making sure Utah remains a place where businesses have the confidence to invest and grow.
Utah has built its reputation by looking ahead instead of standing still. Geothermal gives us another chance to do exactly that. If we continue to invest in this resource, we’ll strengthen our economy, create new opportunities for Utah businesses and workers, and help ensure our state remains an energy leader for decades to come.