Hopi Nation Securing Remote Water Supply With Solar and Storage Microgrid

The Hopi Tribe is making strides toward enhancing its water security with a $4.165 million grant from the Department of Energy (DOE). This funding will help power two water wells on the Hopi Reservation in Arizona, ensuring reliable water supply for the tribe's growing community. The wells will provide water to the villages of Upper and Lower Moenkopi via a pipeline being developed as part of the Side Rock Water Supply project.

The Hopi Reservation in Arizona

The microgrid, owned by the Hopi Utilities Corporation (HUC), will include 250 kW of solar power, 1,200 kWh of battery storage, and a controller. It will operate independently, not connected to the broader power grid. The tribe will contribute $462,867 of the total cost, with the DOE covering the rest.

This project is a significant step toward energy independence for the Hopi Tribe, offering a steady and reliable water source. It also highlights the tribe's commitment to improving water security and reducing energy costs.

Thanks to this innovative project, other Native American tribes across the country are also exploring similar solutions to gain energy sovereignty. Tribes in California, Maine, and North Carolina are among those working to harness solar and water power for critical services, enhancing reliability and lowering energy costs.

The Hopi Tribe's progress underscores the potential of microgrids as a tool for sustainable development, ensuring a brighter future for its community.