By May Hunter, for Iron County Today
Congratulations to Clearway Energy Group on the ribbon cutting of the new Honeycomb Energy Center in Iron County, held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. John Curtis spoke during the celebration.
The Honeycomb Energy Center is a 320-megawatt battery energy storage portfolio serving Iron and Beaver Counties. Honeycomb’s innovative energy portfolio utilizes American-made Tesla equipment and 100% domestic steel and includes four 80-megawatt storage systems capable of delivering 1,280 megawatt-hours of dispatchable power reserves to the region. The storage facilities are adjacent to solar farms owned and operated by Clearway Energy and are contracted under 20-year agreements with PacifiCorp to help strengthen grid reliability and modernize energy infrastructure.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Senator Curtis highlighted the project as a model of Utah energy innovation, connecting large-scale battery storage with nearby solar resources to strengthen the power grid. He referred to the approximately $600 million investment as a key component in providing reliable, cost-effective energy for the region.
“The Honeycomb Energy Center represents a major investment in Utah’s energy future, supporting local jobs, strengthening grid reliability, and advancing energy innovation,” Curtis stated. “By pairing large-scale battery storage with nearby solar resources, we’re helping ensure dependable, affordable power for communities across the region.”
Battery energy storage systems store excess power for later use during times of high demand, helping provide more efficient and stable operation of the electric grid.
Clearway CEO Craig Cornelius said the company is proud to help balance Utah’s grid and stabilize power costs through renewable energy and storage projects. Clearway has operated in Utah for nearly two decades, completing its first project in 2008, and now maintains nearly 900 megawatts of energy projects in the state.
The Honeycomb Energy Center also represents a significant investment in the Cedar City and Iron County communities through economic development and job creation. S According to Clearway, the project:
- Created approximately 150 jobs during peak construction
- Will sustain more than a dozen full-time positions
- Is expected to generate about $60 million in property and sales tax revenue for schools and public services
- Supports local landowners through long-term lease agreements
Clearway also announced a $150,000 donation to Iron County Care and Share in support of a Tiny Home Village project that will provide housing resources to individuals transitioning out of homelessness. In addition, local team members will contribute $40,000 annually throughout operations toward #AdoptASchool programming and other local charitable causes.
“At Clearway, we’re leading the transition to a world powered by clean energy,” the company stated. “Our team members are dedicated to solving tough problems collaboratively to make the world a better place.”
“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.” — Thomas Edison
