Energy

The Governor’s Office of Energy Development (OED) is an independent, technical office that navigates Utah’s and the globe’s changing energy landscape. OED’s mission is to advance the governor’s energy vision, implement state energy policy, and enhance Utah’s energy infrastructure, technology, and workforce to provide more affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy options for Utah’s households and businesses. — Utah continues to enjoy one of the most dynamic energy economies in the nation.

The state produces over $4 billion of energy annually and has a strong foundation for future success thanks to strategic investment in infrastructure and technology. — Utah has been a net energy exporter since 1980, according to Utah’s Energy

Landscape 5th Edition. The state produces, on average, 26% more energy than is consumed. Utah’s low energy prices support the state’s overall economic success, including providing critical investment and high-paying jobs in rural Utah. — While fossil fuels continue to be the backbone of Utah’s energy economy, there has been unprecedented growth in renewable energy. Over the past five years, almost 1,000 megawatts (MW) of new utility-scale solar capacity became available to rural Utah. During the same period, residential solar grew from less than 10 MW to well over 200 MW.

— COVID-19 challenged Utah’s energy economy with sharp drops in demand for transportation fuels. This market change led to low and volatile oil and gas prices, placing exceptional strain on Utah’s producers. While oil prices and production have started to rebound, ongoing demand challenges remain. — Utah’s overall energy economy remains strong with significant investment in new generation and world-class technology. These investments include the world’s largest renewable energy storage facility near Delta and the U.S. Department of

Energy’s flagship advanced geothermal research project near Milford.

Utah’s Energy Production Utah’s Energy Consumption

Targeted Industries

Coal 35%

Natural Gas 34% Crude Oil

24%

Petroleum 24%

Coal 31% Natural Gas

29%

Solar 2.8% Natural Liquids 1.7% Hydroelectric 1.0% Wind .08% Biomass .08% Geothermal .06% Solar 2.7% Hydroelectric 1.0% Biomass .08% Wind .08% Geothermal .06%

Figures courtesy of the Utah Geological Survey’s (UGS) Utah’s Energy Landscape 5th Edition, showing the ooverall production and consumption of Utah’s energy resources (2018). Rob Simmons | Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Energy Development 801-538-8658 | rsimmons@utah.gov