With a $32,000,000 federal cost share, the Yakama Tribal Solar Canal & Hydro Project on the Yakama Indian Reservation will convert inefficient, open-water irrigation canals into a solar and micro-hydropower irrigation system. This cutting-edge system could conserve up to 20% more water and help energy-burdened residents save up to 15% on their utility bills. Additionally, the project team plans to build solar panels on land that the Tribe knows does not risk disturbing cultural resources, providing a replicable solution for responsible solar siting. It is anticipated that deploying solar technologies will increase the Yakama Nation’s renewable power supply, while improving its energy resilience and reliability. Improvements in irrigation efficiency could also benefit grazing and irrigated agriculture, the area’s key economic drivers.

The project aims to provide greater grid resilience, renewable energy supply, and service reliability for Yakama Nation while reducing energy burden in a tribal community; Construct a micro-hydro system in an in-ground pressurized pipeline with solar energy generation over the pipeline right-of-way; Improve irrigation efficiency to benefit grazing and irrigated agriculture, the area’s key economic drivers; Ensure project dollars are reinvested and continue to circulate within the tribal community by training and hiring local tribal members

As part of its Community Benefits Plan, the project team plans to train and hire local tribal members to ensure project dollars are reinvested and continue to circulate within the community. This project aims to create at least 10 full-time positions, leading to a stronger local economy and increased disposable income for the reservation. The engagement plan also incorporates local stakeholders, including local labor and community-based organizations in a manner that can impact project decisions.

As one of 17 community-driven projects spanning 20 states and 30 Tribal Nations aiming to increase energy affordability and deliver a more equitable clean energy future for rural and remote communities, this project was funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and administered by the DOE's Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations.