The Nevada Irrigation District (NID) is a public agency that was established in 1921 to provide water to the residents of Nevada County, California. Over the years, the district has expanded its services to include hydroelectric power generation, recreation, and fire protection. In recent years, the NID has also become a leader in developing renewable energy projects in the small hydro and climate policy sectors.

One of the key drivers behind the NID's renewable energy efforts is the district's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices. In 2019, the NID adopted a Climate Action Plan that outlines a series of goals and strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change. The plan includes a target of reducing the district's carbon footprint by 25% by 2030, and 50% by 2050.

To achieve these goals, the NID has focused on developing renewable energy projects that can help to offset its carbon emissions. One of the district's most successful projects in this regard has been the development of small hydro facilities on its existing water supply infrastructure. These facilities generate electricity by harnessing the power of flowing water, and are a clean and reliable source of energy that can be used to power homes and businesses.

The NID currently operates six small hydro facilities, with a total installed capacity of 9.5 megawatts (MW). These facilities generate approximately 30 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year, which is enough to power over 3,000 homes. In addition to reducing the district's carbon footprint, these facilities also provide a source of revenue for the NID, which can be used to fund other important projects and services.

One of the key benefits of small hydro facilities is that they can be developed on existing water supply infrastructure, such as canals, pipelines, and reservoirs. This means that they can be developed without the need for new dams or other major infrastructure, which can be expensive and have significant environmental impacts. In addition, small hydro facilities can be designed to operate in harmony with the natural flow of the water, which can help to minimize impacts on fish and other aquatic species.

The NID has also been active in the climate policy sector, working to promote policies and initiatives that support renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2018, the district joined the Sierra Business Council's Climate and Energy Action Network, which is a coalition of businesses, organizations, and government agencies working to address climate change in the Sierra Nevada region.

As part of this network, the NID has participated in a number of initiatives and programs focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy. For example, the district has worked with the Sierra Business Council to develop a renewable energy procurement program that allows businesses and residents in the region to purchase clean energy from local providers. The program has been successful in increasing the demand for renewable energy in the region, and has helped to support the development of new renewable energy projects.

The NID has also been active in promoting energy efficiency and conservation, which are important strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The district has partnered with local organizations to offer energy audits and other services to help residents and businesses reduce their energy use and save money on their utility bills. In addition, the NID has implemented a number of energy efficiency measures in its own facilities, such as installing LED lighting and upgrading HVAC systems.

Overall, the Nevada Irrigation District is a leader in developing renewable energy projects in the small hydro and climate policy sectors. The district's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices has led to the development of successful small hydro facilities that generate clean and reliable electricity. In addition, the NID's participation in the Sierra Business Council's Climate and Energy Action Network has helped to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the region. As the district continues to expand its renewable energy efforts, it will play an important role in helping to address the urgent challenges of climate change and promote a more sustainable future.