HYDRO ENERGY

Hydro energy is energy that is derived from moving water. Hydroelectric dams collect water that can be used to generate electricity as the water flows from the dam to the basin below the dam. The water flow rotates a turbine which produces the electricity. Where large water bodies or flowing rivers are available, hydroelectric power is the least electric power cost of all renewable energy sources. Because of this cost advantage, hydroelectric is the most common renewable energy source in the US.

The Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation have significant water supplies that could be developed to provide great benefits to the Goshute Tribe. The construction and management of a major reservoir on the Reservation would provide the potential for producing electricity and providing valuable water storage for the Tribe. Irrigation, agriculture, recreation, and many other activities could be supported by the reservoir. The proper development of the Goshute Tribe’s existing water resources could produce 10 megawatts (million watts) of electricity. The sale of the 10 megawatts of electricity at 4 cents per kilowatt‐hour would give $3.5 million each year.
A crew of about thirty people and heavy equipment would be required to construct the reservoir. The construction of the reservoir is a major construction activity and many people and different activities are required. An Environmental Impact Statement must be prepared to gain approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and other agencies. Geologists, hydrologists, land surveyors, civil, mechanical, and electric engineers, and construction personnel would be engaged for several years to ensure that the reservoir is properly built and the hydroelectric equipment is installed and operational. After successful construction and testing, a maintenance and operating crew of about five people would be required to perform ongoing maintenance and repair.

The income from the sale of 10 megawatts of electricity ($3.5 million each year) generated by the hydroelectric plant would provide the Tribe with considerable income. This income from the electricity plant could provide for development of schools, improved roads, local industries, support of Tribal government, and other essential facilities. The Tribe would become economically independent and have the financial resources to develop the Reservation as the Tribe elected

Tentative Timeline for Hydroelectric Energy Development

Site Assessment
Surveying and Monitoring (3 months)

Permitting
Applications to BIA and other federal and state agencies

Preparation of the EIS (1 year)

Construction
Excavation, foundation placement,Reservoir liner insertion & filling

Hydroelectric equipment installation (2 yrs)

Testing and safety qualifications (2 months)

Operation 
Testing and Certification for operation