Gila River Indian Community Launches Groundbreaking Solar-Canal Initiative

The Gila River Indian Community has marked a significant achievement in water conservation and renewable energy by launching the country’s first solar-over-canal project. This initiative aims to not only produce renewable energy but also conserve vital water resources.

Governor Stephen Roe Lewis expressed pride in the project, emphasizing its dual purpose. “This groundbreaking solar-over-canal project generates renewable energy while conserving our most precious resource — water,” he stated.

The installation stretches over 2,700 linear feet of the Casa Blanca Canal, situated near Interstate 10 close to Sacaton. The community views this effort as a transformative solution to pressing issues related to energy, water, and climate change, specifically addressing challenges unique to the Gila River Indian Community and the broader Colorado River Basin.

This initiative builds upon the historical practices of the community’s ancestors who adeptly managed their natural resources. This project is also a part of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project Renewable Energy Pilot Project, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signing an agreement to initiate construction.

The project was officially launched on October 3, during an event attended by key federal officials, including White House Senior Advisor Tom Perez and U.S. Representative Greg Stanton.

According to tribe representatives, the Casa Blanca Canal Solar project is the first of its kind in the Western Hemisphere, setting new benchmarks for sustainable water and energy practices. “The Gila River Indian Community is a national leader in water conservation,” the tribe noted, further highlighting their commitment to innovative solutions.

Developed by the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project with support from the Bureau of Reclamation, the $5.6 million investment stems from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which encourages renewable energy advancements and water conservation technologies.

Tom Perez remarked on the community’s role in addressing environmental challenges, stating, “This project serves as a model for communities across the country.” He underscored the administration’s continuing efforts to promote sustainability.

The solar-over-canal project promises several environmental benefits, such as producing clean energy, reducing canal water evaporation, and contributing to the tribe’s carbon neutrality goals. Two additional phases are already in the planning stages, aiming to extend coverage across a larger portion of the irrigation system.

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton underscored the project’s significance, especially amid ongoing drought conditions. “Water savings here on Gila River Indian Community Land means savings for the entire Colorado River System—every acre-foot counts,” he emphasized.

UPDATE: This story was updated with a comment from Greg Stanton.