A23AP00121

The Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians in Red Rock, Oklahoma seeks DEMD funding to conduct a study into the feasibility of developing solar photovoltaic (solar PV) energy and combined heat and power (CHP).

The tribe is motivated to lower energy costs, reduce its carbon footprint, and explore renewable energy options. The tribe believes the solar PV and CHP (run with propane) will increase energy resilience and allow the tribe to become more energy independent, thereby asserting tribal sovereignty. Taking control of energy production and utilizing the benefits of CHP will allow the tribe to use the energy savings for other tribal projects that support its 3,300 tribal members.

This project also aims to increase energy reliability for our elder housing development to ensure our elders are protected in times of power outages. This project will assess the feasibility of implementing solar PV and CHP on Otoe-Missouria tribal lands in Oklahoma.

The project will achieve these main tasks:
- Conduct a site visit to collect information regarding current energy usage and needs.
- Develop a preliminary conceptual design for facilities served by CHP.
- Develop a preliminary conceptual design for solar PV systems.
- Analyze energy requirements of elder housing development.
- Identify and analyze capabilities of potential vendors for installation and O&M of the CHP.
- Identify and analyze capabilities of potential vendors for installation of a solar electric system.
- Conduct financial and environmental analyses.
- Draft a final report and presentation in PowerPoint that provides recommendations for solar PV and CHP as well as clear roadmaps for implementing both, if deemed feasible.

The project will deliver a final report that outlines the potential options for solar PV and CHP technologies, how they will be incorporated into the existing infrastructure, the operational and assessment needs, and the feasibility of developing PV and CHP. The project will also deliver an economic analysis of the various energy alternatives and a final presentation to the Otoe-Missouria Tribal Council and other tribal stakeholders.

We anticipate that this project will also pave the way for creating more well-paying green-collar jobs in our community that our tribal members can fill. While CHP still uses fossil-fuels, it has a reduced carbon footprint. And solar PV will allow the tribe to begin using renewable energy resources that move us away from fossil fuel consumption, thereby reducing our carbon footprint and greenhouse production. By reducing our carbon footprint and greenhouse gas production, we can better care for our land, which better aligns our energy production and consumption with Otoe-Missouria cultural values.

Otoe-Missouria Tribe

15.038 - Minerals and Mining on Indian Lands

Central Office [DOI - BIA]

Red Rock, Oklahoma United States

City-Wide

Energy and Mineral Development Program (EMDP) (BIA-2022-DEMD-EMDP)

Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 05/23/24 to 05/23/25.