Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc is a non-profit, member-owned electric utility company based in Cordova, Alaska. The company has been providing reliable and affordable electricity to its members since 1941. Over the years, Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc has been at the forefront of renewable energy development, particularly in the small hydro sector.

Small hydro refers to hydroelectric power plants that have a capacity of less than 10 megawatts (MW). These plants are typically located on small rivers or streams, and they generate electricity by harnessing the power of flowing water. Small hydro is considered a clean and renewable source of energy, as it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or other pollutants.

Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc has been developing small hydro projects in Alaska since the 1980s. The company's first small hydro project was the Power Creek Hydroelectric Project, which was completed in 1984. This project has a capacity of 4.5 MW and is located on Power Creek, near the city of Cordova. The Power Creek Hydroelectric Project provides about 70% of the electricity consumed by the city of Cordova.

Since the completion of the Power Creek Hydroelectric Project, Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc has developed several other small hydro projects in Alaska. These projects include the Eyak Lake Hydroelectric Project, the Orca Power Project, and the Blueberry Lake Hydroelectric Project.

The Eyak Lake Hydroelectric Project is located on Eyak Lake, near the city of Cordova. This project has a capacity of 1.5 MW and was completed in 1991. The Eyak Lake Hydroelectric Project provides about 20% of the electricity consumed by the city of Cordova.

The Orca Power Project is located on Orca Inlet, near the city of Cordova. This project has a capacity of 1.5 MW and was completed in 2009. The Orca Power Project provides electricity to the city of Cordova and the surrounding area.

The Blueberry Lake Hydroelectric Project is located on Blueberry Lake, near the city of Sitka. This project has a capacity of 3.5 MW and was completed in 2014. The Blueberry Lake Hydroelectric Project provides electricity to the city of Sitka and the surrounding area.

Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc's small hydro projects have several benefits. First, they provide clean and renewable energy to the communities they serve. Second, they reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, which are expensive and contribute to climate change. Third, they create local jobs and stimulate the local economy. Fourth, they provide a reliable source of electricity, which is essential for the well-being of the communities they serve.

Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc's small hydro projects have also faced several challenges. First, the projects require significant upfront capital investment, which can be difficult for a small utility company to finance. Second, the projects require permits and approvals from multiple government agencies, which can be time-consuming and costly. Third, the projects can have impacts on the environment, particularly on fish populations and aquatic habitats. Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc has worked closely with government agencies and local stakeholders to address these challenges and ensure that its small hydro projects are developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc's small hydro projects have received several awards and recognitions over the years. In 2007, the Power Creek Hydroelectric Project received the Renewable Energy Project of the Year award from the Alaska Energy Authority. In 2010, the Eyak Lake Hydroelectric Project received the Alaska Governor's Award for Renewable Energy Development. In 2015, the Blueberry Lake Hydroelectric Project received the Renewable Energy Project of the Year award from the Alaska Energy Authority.

Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc's small hydro projects are part of a larger trend towards renewable energy development in Alaska and around the world. As the impacts of climate change become more severe, there is a growing recognition of the need to transition away from fossil fuels and towards clean and renewable sources of energy. Small hydro is one of the many renewable energy technologies that can help us achieve this transition.

In conclusion, Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc is a non-profit, member-owned electric utility company that has been developing small hydro projects in Alaska for several decades. The company's small hydro projects provide clean and renewable energy to the communities they serve, reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, create local jobs, and stimulate the local economy. While these projects have faced several challenges, they have also received several awards and recognitions for their contributions to the renewable energy sector. Cordova Electric Cooperative Inc's small hydro projects are an important part of the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient energy system.