Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) is a public organization that was established in 1933 to conserve, develop, and protect the water and natural resources of the Guadalupe River Basin and its tributaries. The organization is headquartered in Seguin, Texas, and serves an area of approximately 10,000 square miles, including 10 counties in South Central Texas. GBRA is governed by a board of directors, which is appointed by the Governor of Texas and confirmed by the Texas Senate.

In recent years, GBRA has been actively involved in developing renewable energy projects in the Climate Policy and Small Hydro sectors. The organization has recognized the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development, and has taken proactive steps to address these issues.

Climate Policy

GBRA has been working to reduce its carbon footprint and promote renewable energy sources as part of its commitment to climate policy. The organization has set a goal to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2025, compared to its 2015 baseline. To achieve this goal, GBRA has implemented several initiatives, including:

1. Solar Energy: GBRA has installed a 1.2 MW solar array at its Canyon Lake office, which is expected to generate approximately 2 million kWh of electricity annually. The solar array will help to reduce GBRA's reliance on fossil fuels and lower its carbon footprint.

2. Energy Efficiency: GBRA has implemented several energy efficiency measures, such as upgrading lighting systems, HVAC systems, and water conservation measures. These measures have helped to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Electric Vehicles: GBRA has added several electric vehicles to its fleet, including cars and trucks. The use of electric vehicles helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable transportation.

4. Renewable Energy Purchases: GBRA has entered into agreements to purchase renewable energy from wind and solar farms. These agreements help to support the development of renewable energy projects and reduce GBRA's reliance on fossil fuels.

Small Hydro

GBRA has also been actively involved in developing small hydro projects in the Guadalupe River Basin. Small hydro refers to the use of small-scale hydroelectric power plants, typically with a capacity of less than 10 MW. Small hydro projects can be developed on existing dams or on new sites, and can provide a reliable source of renewable energy.

GBRA has identified several potential sites for small hydro projects in the Guadalupe River Basin, including the McQueeney Dam, the Gonzales Dam, and the Lake Wood Dam. GBRA has conducted feasibility studies at these sites to determine the potential for small hydro development. The studies have shown that these sites have the potential to generate significant amounts of renewable energy, while also providing other benefits such as flood control and water supply.

GBRA has also partnered with private developers to develop small hydro projects in the Guadalupe River Basin. For example, GBRA has entered into an agreement with Eagle Hydro Partners to develop a small hydro project at the McQueeney Dam. The project is expected to have a capacity of 5 MW and will generate approximately 18 million kWh of electricity annually.

Conclusion

GBRA is a public organization that is committed to promoting sustainable development and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The organization has recognized the importance of renewable energy sources and has taken proactive steps to develop renewable energy projects in the Climate Policy and Small Hydro sectors. GBRA's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable development serve as a model for other organizations in the United States and around the world.