1. (1) There is established within the office a program and facility known as the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab to facilitate innovative energy research and development projects.

2. (2) The lab shall:

   1. (a) receive and evaluate project proposals;
   2. (b) submit recommendations to the board for approval regarding specific project proposals based on the lab's evaluation;
   3. (c) conduct innovative energy technology research and development projects that have commercialization potential and support the state's energy policy goals;
   4. (d) enter into financial contracts with entities seeking to use the lab, with revenues deposited into the Utah Energy Research Fund created in Section 79-6-1002;

   5. (e) assess the viability of emerging energy solutions for deployment within the state, considering:

      1. (i) cost-effectiveness;
      2. (ii) dispatchability;
      3. (iii) sustainability;
      4. (iv) reliability; and
      5. (v) environmental impact;
   6. (f) provide analysis and recommendations to policymakers regarding energy system planning, infrastructure needs, and the value of different energy initiatives being considered within the state; and
   7. (g) collaborate with universities, industry partners, entrepreneurs, community representatives, and other research entities.

Amended by Chapter 375, 2025 General Session