A panel of experts from across the nation met at the governor's office last Friday to discuss the potential benefits of harnessing renewable energy in the state of Utah.

The Utah Energy Forum, which began in 2005, is conducted throughout the year and provides an opportunity for energy leaders to aid in the development of Utah's energy policy.

The forum was originally the Wasatch Environmental Breakfast, but shifted hands to the governor's office in an attempt to make it an open forum for discussion, debate and education, said Sara Baldwin from Utah Clean Energy.

More than 100 people attended the forum, which is designed to allow open communications and will include representatives from utilities, businesses and energy industries.

The highlight of the forum was the potential that Utah has and the benefits the state would reap from full or partial development, Baldwin said.

Utah stands to benefit from three potential energy resources: wind, geothermal and solar power, Baldwin said. Concentrating these energies would result in creating new economic development opportunities across the state, she said.

"Potential for wind energy development hovers around 2,500 to 3,000 megawatts," Baldwin said. "That could yield approximately $2.7 billion in economic benefit."

Baldwin said billions of gallons of water and 197 millions tons of coal could be saved using wind energy.

Small towns could see tremendous benefits from harnessing renewable energies including an introduction of hundreds of jobs, she said.

Utah also has great potential for geothermal energy, which is tapping into hot water under the earth's surface to generate electricity or heat, Baldwin said.

"There is also potential for solar power," Baldwin said. "It's estimated that Utah could produce 450,000 megawatts using solar power."

All three renewable energies would yield another tremendous benefit to the state of Utah - millions of dollars in private investor benefits, she said.

Utah's energy demand is growing exponentially at three per year and during the peak demand, in the summer months when air conditioners are used, annual growth is six percent, Baldwin said.

Such demands introduce risks and uncertainties into Utah's energy sector, she said. Risks include the rising and volatile prices for fossil fuels that will eventually run out or be depleted and an over reliance on such finite fossil fuels.

"Relying on finite fossil fuels in an era when renewable energy and energy efficiencies are a way of the future are a huge risk," Baldwin said.

Utah's energy demands could easily be met with energy efficiency and Utahns could get the same with less energy, she said.

The energy forum emphasized the future and ways to help curve the growth of energy needs as Utah's resource potential is explored, said Dianne Nielson from the governor's office.

"These resources stand to play a significant role in the state's energy future," Nielson said. "Diversifying Utah's energy portfolio, providing energy for a vibrant economy and sustaining Utah's environment and quality of life."

Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Dec 2007