Hydro Power
Hydroelectric Powered Coffee
We utilize water from our mountain water reservoirs to provide power to our plant and on to our coffee processing equipment and operations.
You will see the Hydro Power sticker featured on the side of our coffee bags.
Renewable Green Energy
View of our micro grid
Hydro power plant on the hill above the Coffee Mill
Hydropower, or hydroelectric power, is one of the oldest and largest sources of renewable energy, which uses the natural flow of moving water to generate electricity. Hydropower provides about 30 percent of the renewable energy in the United States. Hydropower is better for the environment than other major sources of electrical power, which use fossil fuels.
Pelton wheel
Control meters measuring electrical output
HOW DOES HYDROPOWER WORK?
When water is released through the turbine, it spins a generator that produces electricity. The water returns to the source where it is used for irrigating macadamia nut orchards in drier regions below Kau Coffee Mill.
Our system was built by Canyon Hydro in Deming, WA. Featuring a 32″ Pelton turbine. Maximum flow per day is 3.2 million gallons.
Main control panel for power plant
Electric generator attached to Pelton wheel
Water PSI meter
WHAT IS THE COST OF HYDROPOWER?
The benefits of hydropower have been recognized and harnessed for thousands of years. In addition to being a clean and cost-effective form of energy, hydropower plants can provide power directly to the grid, and may also serve as a flexible and reliable form of backup power during major electricity outages or disruptions.
Hydraulic system
Balancing a penny to show how smooth the system runs