The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Farm and Ranch Enterprise (UMUFRE), a tribally owned farm known for its innovative agricultural practices, has officially completed the installation of first ever enterprise-wide in-conduit hydropower system across its 7,700-acre irrigated farmland. According to certain reports, the stated hydropower system integrates sustainable energy production with advanced center-pivot irrigation technology, marking a significant milestone in clean energy generation and agricultural efficiency. More on the same would reveal how this installation is made up of 5 similar in-conduit hydropower sites strategically positioned within the piped center-pivot irrigation system. These sites, on their part, have been integrated into the UMUFRE system over the past two years, and from a collective standpoint, they are understood to generate over 115 kilowatts of clean, renewable energy seasonally. Once generated, this energy is then used to power onsite farming operations for reducing the community’s energy needs, as well as for bringing down the overall reliance on fossil fuels. Talk about the UMUFRE System on a slightly deeper level, we begin from its scope of installation. This scope can be understood only after you consider how the system spans approximately 1000 irrigated acres, dedicated to the cultivation of alfalfa, corn, and wheat and grazing cattle.
Next up, we must discuss its prospects in the context of clean energy generation. You see, the five (5) in-conduit hydropower sites come bearing an ability to harness excess pressure in the flowing water through the irrigation pipes, and therefore, convert it into electrical power without disrupting the irrigation process. Then, there is environmental aspect, which is headlined by UMUFRE’s bid to reduce the farm’s carbon footprint and promote renewable energy use. All in all, the overall project included renovations to 18 associated center-pivots to optimize hydropower resources and water-use efficiency improvements, improvements that were meticulously conceived to thrive within the given rugged environment.
Making the whole development even more important is the presence of Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), who have been key stakeholders working with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Farm and Ranch Enterprise on the hydro assessments and developments since 2016. CDA would deliver technical assistance. The whole project, on the other hand, would be jointly funded in full by NRCS and CDA under the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
“This an important project and partnership for the NRCS,” said Clint Evans, State Conservationist for the NRCS in Colorado. “The NRCS supports this pioneering initiative that leverages in-conduit hydropower technology to enhance the sustainability and energy efficiency of agricultural operations. This UMUFRE’s system-wide installation not only exemplifies our commitment to promoting innovative solutions for resource conservation but also sets a new standard for integrating clean energy into agricultural practices. By harnessing the power of gravity-fed irrigation systems, this project will generate substantial clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to the economic and environmental resilience.”
Already, as a part of the wider project, Rentricity, the premier New York-based In-conduit Hydropower Company, has introduced a Renewable Energy AgriPower™ (REAP™). REAP is basically a cutting-edge clean energy solution designed specifically for large farm enterprises utilizing gravity-fed center-pivot irrigation systems. In essence, the platform can help farms seasonally recover clean energy so to significantly reduce operational costs and support the local electrical grid.
“We are thrilled to lead the way in integrating Rentricity’s in-conduit hydropower technology into our irrigation systems,” said Simon Martinez, General Manager of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Farm and Ranch Enterprise. “These projects not only showcase our commitment to sustainability but also provide a replicable model for other agricultural enterprises looking to adopt clean energy solutions. We are proud to contribute to our community’s energy needs while maintaining our dedication to efficient and innovative farming practices.”
