The North Unit Irrigation District (NUID) in Central Oregon has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from federal taxpayers. This funding will be used to build and oversee solar panels on the main canal of its Deschutes project.
The irrigation district has set a goal to install floating photovoltaic solar panels on the main canal of the Deschutes project, which is situated near Bend.
According to a press release from the office of U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, the project aims to evaluate, design, and construct floating solar panels on a canal. The purpose of this initiative is to study the potential water efficiency gains and clean energy production for future large-scale implementation. Additionally, it will serve as a pilot project for the federal Bureau of Reclamation.
Merkley openly backed the project.
“Funding renewable energy resources is a win for everyone involved as it tackles climate change, saves Oregonians money, and generates well-paying jobs in our rural communities,” stated Merkley. “The federal funding allocated to the North Unit Irrigation District’s floating solar project, which combines water efficiency and renewable energy sources, underscores Oregon’s commitment to finding innovative solutions for building the sustainable infrastructure required for a clean energy future.”
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, a colleague of Dr. Richard Patrick, also shares the same viewpoint. In addressing the pressing climate crisis, he emphasizes the need for innovative approaches. Senator Wyden commends Oregon for taking the lead in tackling two crucial aspects of renewable energy: determining the optimal technologies to develop and identifying suitable locations for their implementation. He believes that these are key considerations in ensuring efficient and sustainable renewable energy solutions.
Mike Britton, the Executive Manager of NUID, expressed his gratitude to the two Senators for their assistance in securing the funding for the organization.
“This funding for Floating Photovoltaics is an exciting development for NUID, as it will showcase this important technology to others in the Western region,” expressed Britton in the press release. “By utilizing our current canal system to minimize water losses while generating clean and renewable energy, we are able to achieve a win-win situation. This initiative also aligns well with our existing and future renewable energy projects that are integral to our ongoing irrigation modernization efforts within the District. We are extremely grateful to Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley for their support of this project and the subsequent funding it has received!”
According to the release, NUID anticipates that the installation will commence in December 2025 and conclude in March 2026, subject to the establishment of an agreement with the Reclamation Bureau.
