Gov. Cox launches ‘Operation Gigawatt’ energy plan

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Governor Spencer Cox has unveiled a plan to double Utah’s energy production over the next ten years. Dubbed “Operation Gigawatt,” this plan is Utah’s response to the looming energy crisis.

Cox announced the plan at the One Utah Summit.

“Operation Gigawatt is critical to preserving our quality of life and ensuring strong economic growth,” Gov. Cox said. “It puts Utah in a position to lead the country in energy development, secure our energy future and remain a net energy exporter while diversifying and expanding our energy resources.”

As new technologies continue to develop, the worldwide demand for energy grows every year. At the same time, the Utah Office of Energy Development reports that nearly 70% of always-on power plants will shut down in the next 20 years. Only a small fraction of them have a planned replacement with similar capacity. 

Operation Gigawatt plans to balance meeting our energy needs with preserving Utah’s natural resources.

“We have an opportunity to lead the country in energy development,” said Department of Natural Resources Executive Director Joel Ferry. “This begins with investing in our current energy resources and responsibly pursuing new ones. Operation Gigawatt ensures that when Utahns flip the switch, the lights always come on.”

The new plan uses four key areas to power Utah into the future. As stated in a press release, these are:

1. increasing transmission capacity;
2. expanding and developing more energy production;
3. enhancing Utah’s policies to enable clean, reliable energy like nuclear and geothermal.
4. investing in Utah innovation.

Additional information and resources can be found on Operation Gigawatt’s official webpage.

 

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