The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Farm and Ranch Enterprise (UMUFRE), a tribally owned farm known for its innovative agricultural practices, is proud to announce the successful installation of the first enterprise-wide in-conduit hydropower system across its 7,700-acre irrigated farmland. This pioneering project, which integrates sustainable energy production with advanced center-pivot irrigation technology, marks a significant milestone in clean energy generation and agricultural efficiency.
The installation consists of 5 similar in-conduit hydropower sites strategically positioned within the piped center-pivot irrigation system. These systems have been integrated into the UMUFRE system over the past two years. The sites collectively generate over 115 kilowatts of clean, renewable energy seasonally, which is used to power onsite farming operations thereby reducing the community's energy needs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
As part of these projects, Rentricity, the premier New York-based In-conduit Hydropower Company, is excited to introduce the Renewable Energy AgriPower™ (REAP™) platform, a cutting-edge clean energy solution designed specifically for large farm enterprises utilizing gravity-fed center-pivot irrigation systems. REAP enables farms to seasonally recover clean energy, significantly reducing operational costs and supporting the local electrical grid.
Key Highlights of the UMUFRE System include:
Scope of the Installation: The hydropower system spans approximately 1000 irrigated acres dedicated to the cultivation of alfalfa, corn, and wheat and grazing cattle.
Clean Energy Generation: The five (5) in-conduit hydropower sites harness excess pressure in the water flowing through the irrigation pipes, converting it into electrical power without disrupting the irrigation process.
Environmental Impact: This project underscores the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Farm and Ranch Enterprise's commitment to sustainable farming practices and environmental stewardship, significantly reducing the farm's carbon footprint and promoting renewable energy use. The overall project included renovations to 18 associated center-pivots to optimize hydropower resources and water-use efficiency improvements appropriate to their desert environment.
Community Benefits: The generated power supports the local electrical grid, enhancing energy security and contributing to the tribe's economic development and energy independence.
"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."
This is Rentricity's first enterprise-wide REAP installation and hopes it serves as a best practice 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," said Frank Zammataro CEO and Founder of Rentricity. This is a terrific project demonstrating the importance of harvesting clean energy from solid pipe water infrastructure. Rentricity and UMUFRE have completed the installation of 5 sites with 5 more in development.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and the United States Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) have been key stakeholders working with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Farm and Ranch Enterprise on the hydro assessments and developments since 2016. CDA provided technical assistance and the project is jointly funded in full by NRCS and CDA under the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
"CDA has been proud to be an integral partner on this multi-year effort through its ACRE3 irrigation energy–recovery hydropower initiative," says Sam Anderson, Program Manager for CDA's ACRE3 energy grants program.
"This an important project and partnership for the NRCS," says, 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 of this tribal farm enterprise. We look forward to seeing the transformative impact this initiative will have on the community and the broader agricultural sector."
