Farmers Irrigation District Unveils New Hydropower Turbine
Farmers Irrigation District, Energy Trust of Oregon and the Oregon Governor’s office will unveil at a ribbon-cutting ceremony an efficient 3-megawatt hydropower turbine that generates energy from water flowing through irrigation pipes. The new turbine and generator will produce 12 percent more renewable power than the two older turbines, and is expected to save $100,000 to $150,000 per year in maintenance costs.
The turbine replacement caps more than 30 years of improvements in irrigation infrastructure, enabling Farmers Irrigation District to save 65 percent of the water previously diverted for irrigation, provide pressurized water to local farms and orchards, return water to the Hood River to benefit salmon and steelhead populations, generate renewable energy, improve drought resilience and strengthen the local economy.
Farmers Irrigation District will unveil a 3-MW hydropower turbine that generates energy from water flowing through irrigation pipes, replaces two older turbines and repowers the district’s operations with a more efficient system. The district began investing in hydropower in 1986 as a way to generate revenue and defray the cost of delivering water to approximately 5,800 acres and 1,900 residential and agricultural users.
The new turbine and generator will produce 12 percent more renewable power than the older turbines, bringing in $130,000 more in revenue. In addition, the district expects to save its customers $100,000 to $150,000 per year in maintenance costs.
Energy Trust provided a $900,000 incentive for the $4.96 million project, which will deliver energy to Pacific Power. The district has worked with Energy Trust on several past projects, including constructing an energy-efficient pumping station to replace individual user pumps, piping portions of its delivery system, and pressurizing and filtering the delivery of irrigation water.
FARMERS IRRIGATION DISTRICT: Farmers Irrigation District strives to promote ecologically, socially and economically sustainable agriculture by providing energy and irrigation service for the common good. Farmers Irrigation District is located in Hood River, Oregon, in the beautiful, culturally rich Columbia River Gorge. It is a nonprofit government agency founded in 1874. Water is provided to over 5,800 acres of land, both residential and agricultural. The Hood River Valley produces large quantities of high-value pears, apples, cherries and wine grapes. For more information, visit www.fidhr.org.
ENERGY TRUST: Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save nearly $1.9 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.
