Covering an irrigation canal with solar panels doubles its utility, producing renewable energy while protecting canal infrastructure and reducing water evaporation.
The Gila River Indian Community in Arizona activated the first solar-over-canal renewable energy project in the country, reports Shondiin Silversmith in the Arizona Mirror. It is the first phase in the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project Renewable Energy Pilot Project.
“The project spans over 2,700 linear feet of the Casa Blanca Canal, which is located along Interstate 10 near Sacaton” and, according to the tribe, “represents a groundbreaking solution to the intertwined crises of energy, water and climate change, specifically addressing the unique needs of the Gila River Indian Community, the State of Arizona, the southwest region and the Colorado River Basin.”
The project reduces water evaporation and maintenance requirements for the canal while producing energy and helping the tribe move toward a carbon-neutral energy footprint. The tribe is planning to expand the project to more portions of the local irrigation system.
Read the full story: Gila River Indian Community turns on power for first ever solar-over-canal project
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