OED Home > Business > Economic Development
Business: Energy and Natural Resources Cluster
Utah Energy and Natural Resources Cluster seeks to connect businesses in the generation, production, transmission, consumption, and manufacturing of traditional and alternative energy resources. Responsible energy development and management enables Utah to continue as a leader in low cost energy prices, resource export, and technological innovation.
Economic Development Statistics
- Total Employees: 19,451
- Percent Represented of Utah’s Workforce: 3.4%
- Total Wages: $1,381,142,470
- Average Monthly Wage: 165% of State’s Average Wage
- Number of Companies/Firms: 1,142
- Total Patents (2005-2009): 162
- Venture Capital Deals (2000-2008): 20
- Public Deals (2000-2008): 11
Activities
Utah Energy Working Groups (EWG)
To organize State agencies in the areas of economic development and energy in order to best serve energy businesses in Utah by limiting duplication, creating synergies, and to identify gaps in services.
Military Installation Energy Collaborative (MIEC)
- Camp Williams
- Dugway Proving Ground
- Fort Douglas
- Hill Air Force Base
- Tooele Army Depot
Utah Building Energy Efficiency Strategies (UBEES)
Create the market and workforce to position Utah at the forefront for social and economic prosperity through leadership in high performance homes and buildings.
Utah Renewable Energy Zones (UREZ)
- Wind: 9,145MW capacity over 1,838 square miles.
- Solar: 826GW capacity over 6,371 square miles .
- Geothermal: 1,330 MW capacity over 5,053 square miles.
Utah is 1 of 4 States Generating Power from Geothermal Sources |
Transmission
Pacificorp’s Energy Gateway Transmission Expansion: An ambitious multi-year $6 billion plus investment that will add approximately 2,000 miles of new transmission lines across the West.
Utah Mining Association
Established in 1915, the UMA helps to promote and protect the mining industry, providing professional industry representation and education about mining and minerals.
Utah Manufacturing Association
With 800 members strong, UMA has been the voice of industry for 101 years, with a mission to enhance the business climate in Utah.
Academia and Technology
- Utah Science Technology and Research Initiative (USTAR) (CO2 Sequestration, Biofuels/BioMass, Intuitive/Solar Buildings, Alternative Energy).
- Ongoing research at University of Utah, Utah State University
and Brigham Young University in nano-solar materials,
geothermal, hybrid energy, new battery technology Numerous projects and training programs at regional higher
education institutions, including a renewable energy business
incubator at Dixie State College. - Active collaborations with Idaho National Laboratory.
- Green Academy established to train new energy economy workforce.
Utah’s Energy Goals
- Reduce to 2005 levels by 2020
- Energy Efficiency: 20% by 2020
- Renewable Energy: 20% by 2025
ACEEE 2010 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard Ranked |
Incentives
- Renewable and Alternative Development Incentive (REDI)
- Economic Development Tax Increment Financing (EDTIF)
- Custom Fit Training
Objectives
Connect
- Link organizations to advance synergistic resources, opportunities, capabilities.
- Recognize and promote Utah’s advantages.
Industry
- Facilitate industry supply chains.
- Promote achieving Utah’s energy goals.
Education
- Support advancement of workforce development and training efforts.
- Create an understanding of the energy sectors through outreach.
Infrastructure
- Assist with electricity transmission initiatives.
- Champion planning and technological advancements in transportation.