Park City, Utah – The ski industry’s push towards renewable energy continues, as two of the biggest ski resorts in Utah will now be partially powered by a solar panel plant.
Last week, the Elektron Solar Project’s ribbon cutting was held. Although it became operational in May, the ribbon cutting commemorated the hard work put into the project and its impact on the local communities. The project is a six-partner collaboration between three businesses (Alterra Mountian Company, Utah State University, and Vail Resorts), two municipalities (Salt Lake City and Park City), and Summit County.
Hy Martin, Chief Development Officer of D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI), said the following about the project back in a May press release:
“We are thrilled to have completed construction on the Elektron Solar facility. While the solar industry has encountered headwinds in the past few years due to supply chain constraints and rising interest rates, this project was able to succeed due to the strong partnership from our customers and local stakeholders. Our team appreciates the ongoing support from the customers, Rocky Mountain Power and Tooele County.”
This 80-megawatt (MW) solar farm is a big deal for Park City’s ski resorts. It will provide Deer Valley with 80% of its power and allow Park City Mountain Resort to run on 100% renewable energy. The solar panels will also power roughly 20,000 homes and various parts of Park City’s infrastructure, including its public buses.
Deirdra Walsh, who’s Vice President and COO of Park City Mountain Resort, described in May the importance of this project to Vail Resorts’ sustainability goals:
“I am incredibly proud that, driven by Vail Resorts’ Commitment to Zero, Park City Mountain has achieved 100% renewable electricity since 2022. The completion of the Elektron Solar Project in Utah means that Park City Mountain’s electricity will be 100% solar-powered directly through the local grid, adding to the overall mix of renewables at Vail Resorts’ disposal and increasing the resilience of our network-wide commitment to sustainable operations. Projects like this ensure our ability to grow sustainably while remaining on schedule to reach our emissions goals and on track to achieve a zero net operating footprint by 2030.”
This development proves that the ski industry is beginning to push for a greener future.
Image/Video Credits: Salt Lake City Television – SLCtv, Scott Aucutt (Enyo Energy)
