Hood River harnesses hydropower with ODOE grant

The City of Hood River's water accumulates pressure on its miles-long downhill journey from springs on the slopes of Mt. Hood to homes and businesses in town. With the completion of the Dee Hydro Project, the previously discarded pressure is harnessed as hydropower.

With the help of ODOE's Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, the city installed a hydroelectric turbine at an existing pumphouse to convert the water pressure to renewable energy. Before the project, valves simply released the pressure.

"We already have this incredible source of energy. Why not tap into it?" said Jackie Vanderpuye, City of Hood River community engagement coordinator. "This is something different and unique - something we haven't done before. We see it as part of this greater effort to get us to our energy goals."

The city adopted the Hood River County Energy Plan in 2018, and the Dee Hydro Project is putting plans into action for a zero-emissions energy future. Over its first 30 years, the project is expected to generate roughly 16 million kilowatt hours of electricity. The city will sell the power generated to Pacific Power and add renewable power to the electric grid.

"Our big dream is to reach that net zero (greenhouse gas emissions) by 2035 for City facilities and fleets," said Vanderpuye. "This is getting us closer."

Enhancing clean energy infrastructure within an existing footprint is also in alignment with the Oregon Energy Strategy, which identified clean energy as one of the pathways needed to meet the state's energy and climate goals.

The project was a recipient of a $500,000 construction grant from the second round of the Oregon Department of Energy's Community Renewable Energy Program. Dee Hydro is the first inline hydropower project completed through the program, and Assistant Director of ODOE's Energy Development Services division Pandian Krishnaswamy said he hopes to see similar projects by other water and irrigation districts in the future.

In addition to ODOE's grant, the City of Hood River received Energy Trust of Oregon technical expertise and cash incentives for project development and installation.

"I had a great experience with this program," said Haley Ellett, the senior management analyst for the City of Hood River. "The ODOE staff I interacted with were not only knowledgeable and responsive to questions and needs, but also passionate and excited to support our project."

ODOE has awarded more than $53 million across 118 renewable energy and resilience projects across the state. Learn more about the program, grant opportunities, and requirements.