Examining the Feasibility of Hydropower Generation in Irrigation Canals: Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 5
Abstract
Irrigation districts in the American West and throughout the world have extensive canal networks that could be utilized to generate a significant amount of hydropower. As the world attempts to become less dependent on carbon-based energy resources, small-scale hydropower (SSH) is an attractive potential resource for new energy development. The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) in central New Mexico has an extensive canal network, and hydropower is being considered as a viable form of renewable energy. Currently, the MRGCD has identified and categorized nine potential hydropower sites within its system with the goal of maximizing its contribution to the region’s energy needs. This paper addresses key issues related to hydropower in irrigation districts and examines the feasibility of incorporating hydropower generation in the MRGCD canal system. With full year-round implementation of SSH generation at the nine locations investigated, the MRGCD could have a generating capacity of 2.2 MW and produce over during the year. This represents an income from power generation for the MRGCD of $1.032 million at the current power prices. More importantly, implementation of SSH would result in 1,340 homes being powered by clean, renewable energy while concurrently delivering water to irrigators. It is the hope of the authors that the case study presented will aid irrigation districts investigating the incorporation of hydropower in their canal networks.
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Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge Joe Blankenship of Natel Energy for his expert advice and Ben Whitmore at FGCU for his assistance with review of the literature. The authors would also like to thank Rick Altenberg of the MRGCD for his assistance with mapping.
References
Blankenship, J. (2010). “Manufacturer’s feasibility analysis of prospective projects.” Design Rep., Natel Energy, Alameda, CA.
Burkholder, J. L. (1928). “Submitting a plan for flood control, drainage, and irrigation of the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy Project.” Rep. of the Chief Engineer, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, Albuquerque, NM.
Gensler, D., Oad, R., and Kinzli, K.-D. (2009). “Irrigation system modernization: A case study of the Middle Rio Grande Valley.” J. Irrig. Drain. Eng., 135(2), 169–176.
Heggen, R. J. (1982). “Small-scale hydropower from irrigation canals near Albuquerque, New Mexico.” Final Rep., Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.
Paish, O. (2002). “Small hydro power: Technology and current status.” Renewable Sustainable Energy Rev., 6(6), 537–556.
Summit Blue Consulting. (2009). “Small hydropower technology and market assessment.” Rep. Prepared for Energy Trust of Oregon, Boulder, CO.
U. S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). (2008). Electric power and renewable energy in New Mexico, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC.
U.S. Energy Information Administration (USEIA). (2009)., Washington, DC.
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© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 8, 2011
Accepted: Sep 26, 2012
Published online: Sep 29, 2012
Published in print: May 1, 2013
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