Developer

Truckee-Carson Irrigation District

www.tcid.org

Total capacity of implemented projects

up to 10 MW

Countries of projects presence

1

Truckee-Carson Irrigation District (TCID) is a public agency that provides irrigation water to farmers in Nevada's Lahontan Valley. The district was established in 1918 and covers an area of approximately 350,000 acres. The district is responsible for managing the Truckee and Carson Rivers, which are the primary sources of water for the region.

In recent years, TCID has been exploring renewable energy projects as a way to diversify its revenue streams and reduce its carbon footprint. One of the renewable energy sectors that the district has been focusing on is small hydro.

Small hydro refers to hydroelectric power plants that have a capacity of less than 10 megawatts (MW). These plants typically use the flow of a river or stream to generate electricity. Small hydro is considered a low-impact form of renewable energy because it does not require the construction of large dams or reservoirs.

TCID has identified several potential sites for small hydro projects along the Truckee and Carson Rivers. These sites have been evaluated based on their water flow, elevation drop, and proximity to existing infrastructure. The district has also conducted feasibility studies to determine the economic viability of these projects.

One of the small hydro projects that TCID has already developed is the Lahontan Dam Hydroelectric Project. This project is located at the Lahontan Dam, which was built in the 1900s to store water for irrigation. The project consists of two turbines with a combined capacity of 2.5 MW. The turbines are connected to the district's electrical grid, and the electricity generated is sold to the local utility.

The Lahontan Dam Hydroelectric Project has several benefits for TCID. First, it provides a source of revenue for the district. The project generates approximately 10 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which is enough to power about 1,000 homes. The revenue generated from the project helps to offset the costs of operating the district's irrigation system.

Second, the project helps to reduce TCID's carbon footprint. The electricity generated by the project is considered renewable energy, which means that it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions. By developing small hydro projects, TCID is helping to transition to a more sustainable energy future.

In addition to the Lahontan Dam Hydroelectric Project, TCID is exploring other small hydro projects along the Truckee and Carson Rivers. These projects have the potential to generate additional revenue for the district and further reduce its carbon footprint.

TCID's commitment to renewable energy is part of a larger trend in the United States. As the country seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and mitigate the impacts of climate change, more and more organizations are turning to renewable energy sources like small hydro.

Small hydro is particularly attractive because it is a reliable source of energy. Unlike wind and solar power, which are dependent on weather conditions, small hydro can generate electricity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This makes it a valuable source of baseload power, which is the minimum amount of electricity needed to meet a community's needs.

Small hydro also has a relatively low environmental impact. Unlike large hydroelectric projects, which can have significant impacts on river ecosystems and fish populations, small hydro projects are designed to minimize their impact on the environment. By using the flow of a river or stream, small hydro projects do not require the construction of large dams or reservoirs, which can disrupt natural water flows.

Overall, TCID's commitment to small hydro is a positive step towards a more sustainable energy future. By developing renewable energy projects, the district is not only diversifying its revenue streams but also reducing its carbon footprint. As more organizations follow TCID's lead and invest in renewable energy, the United States will be better positioned to meet its energy needs while also protecting the environment.