The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Farm and Ranch Enterprise (UMUFRE), renowned for its innovative agricultural practices, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in sustainable energy production. The tribe has successfully installed the first enterprise-wide in-conduit hydropower system across its sprawling 7,700-acre irrigated farmland. This pioneering project seamlessly integrates sustainable energy generation with advanced center-pivot irrigation technology, setting a new standard for clean energy adoption in agriculture.
This installation features five strategically placed in-conduit hydropower sites within the piped center-pivot irrigation system. These systems, integrated over the past two years, collectively generate over 115 kilowatts of clean, renewable energy seasonally. This energy powers onsite farming operations, reducing the community’s dependence on fossil fuels and minimizing their environmental footprint.
At the heart of this initiative lies Rentricity, a leading New York-based In-conduit Hydropower Company. They have introduced the Renewable Energy AgriPower™ (REAP™) platform, a cutting-edge clean energy solution specifically designed for large farm enterprises utilizing gravity-fed center-pivot irrigation systems. REAP empowers farms to recover clean energy seasonally, substantially reducing operational costs and bolstering the local electrical grid.
The UMUFRE project spans approximately 1000 irrigated acres dedicated to the cultivation of alfalfa, corn, and wheat, as well as cattle grazing. The five in-conduit hydropower sites cleverly harness excess pressure in the water flowing through the irrigation pipes, converting it into electrical power without disrupting the irrigation process. This innovative approach exemplifies the farm’s commitment to sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship, significantly minimizing their carbon footprint and promoting the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Beyond its environmental benefits, this project has far-reaching implications for the community. The generated power supports the local electrical grid, enhancing energy security and contributing to the tribe’s economic development and energy independence. Simon Martinez, General Manager of UMUFRE, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to lead the way in integrating Rentricity’s in-conduit hydropower technology into our irrigation systems. These projects not only showcase our commitment to sustainability but also provide a replicable model for other agricultural enterprises seeking 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.”
Rentricity views this project as a blueprint for sustainable agriculture in North America. “Three months of the 115-kW operation could charge electric vehicles to travel a combined total of approximately 750,000 miles,” remarked Frank Zammataro, CEO and Founder of Rentricity. He highlighted the project’s significance in demonstrating the importance of harnessing clean energy from existing water infrastructure. Rentricity and UMUFRE have already completed the installation of five sites with five more in development.
The success of this project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders. The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have played crucial roles, working alongside the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Farm and Ranch Enterprise on hydro assessments and development since 2016. CDA provided technical assistance, while the project is jointly funded by NRCS and CDA under the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
Sam Anderson, Program Manager for CDA’s ACRE3 energy grants program, expressed his pride in being an integral part of this multi-year initiative: “CDA has been proud to be an integral partner on this multi-year effort through its ACRE3 irrigation energy–recovery hydropower initiative.” Clint Evans, State Conservationist for the NRCS in Colorado, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of this pioneering initiative: “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.”
This landmark project showcases the transformative potential of integrating clean energy solutions into agricultural practices. By harnessing the power of gravity-fed irrigation systems, the UMUFRE project generates substantial clean energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and contributes to the economic and environmental resilience of this tribal farm enterprise. The project’s success serves as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future, inspiring other agricultural enterprises to embrace similar innovative solutions.
