Intermountain Health is celebrating a major advancement in its sustainability efforts with the opening of the Castle Solar Farm in Huntington, Utah, which will provide power to several Intermountain hospitals, clinics and other facilities and result in cost savings of more than $500,000 annually.
The 40 MW solar farm, for which Intermountain Health has contracted to supply 20 MW, is located 140 miles southeast of Salt Lake City and will produce enough electricity to power the total annual use of 17 Intermountain Health facilities, including nine hospitals compensate.
The project will provide Intermountain Health with sustainable electricity for the next twenty years.
“This is one of the largest sustainability investments we have ever made, and it will benefit us for decades to come,” said Eric Liston, vice president of clinical services for Intermountain Health. “By creating a cleaner environment in the communities we serve, Intermountain helps our patients live the healthiest lives possible.”
Hospitals consume large amounts of electricity due to the large number of services and equipment in operation throughout the year.
The solar farm project is the result of a partnership with DE Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI), which built the solar farm and will own and operate the site.
“Castle Solar marks the third project DESRI has built in Emery County,” said Hy Martin, DESRI Chief Development Officer. “Our team is pleased that Castle now provides renewable energy to PacifiCorp, the University of Utah and Intermountain Health. Despite the supply chain constraints in recent years, we are pleased to continue delivering new projects for our partners.”
Rocky Mountain Power will provide transmission to the electric grid for the electricity generated at the solar plant.
News item from DESRI