The Gila River Indian Community, in collaboration with the US Army Corps of Engineers, has started a solar-over-canal project in Arizona.
The project is aimed at combating water scarcity and utilizing renewable energy in the arid landscapes of the state.
Arizona is currently facing moderate to extreme drought conditions, making the project significant for addressing water evaporation issues in the region.
This solar-over-canal project is the first of its kind in the United States, presenting a pioneering concept for sustainable energy solutions.
Arizona's solar-over-canal project will tackle its major drought issue as well as tackling much of the state's moderate to extreme water evaporation conditions.
The project stands as the first of its kind in the United States, breaking ground on a concept that holds immense promise for sustainable energy solutions.
A similar project in California is still in the planning stages, making the Arizona endeavor a trailblazer.
The agreement with the Army Corps is termed a "Project Partnership Agreement," representing a legally binding contract between the federal government and a nonfederal sponsor.
The director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Tom Buschatzke, praises the project as a creative and sustainable initiative that leverages existing infrastructure for a cooperative partnership.