Hydropower

Siting and Feasibility  |  Financing  |  Case Study  |  This is Just the Beginning...

Hydropower uses the power of fresh water flows to produce electricity. Most Massachusetts industries were built on hydropower in the 19th century; mill complexes centered around rivers, and water wheels are iconic Massachusetts images. Hydropower technologies have been updated since that time and many new and renovated hydropower sites are supplying electricity.

Hydropower is different from other renewable energy technologies in that it is fueled by, and can produce, a relatively constant stream of power. Other renewable energy technologies, such as wind turbines, only produce power intermittently. Of course, drought conditions can make hydropower just as variable as wind or solar power.
Despite this relative constancy, new hydropower facilities are unlikely to get local and federal approval because of their negative impact on natural habitats and water flows. Projects that restore or update pre-existing or dormant hydro facilities are much more likely to be approved, although rehabilitation projects are also required to undergo a significant approval process. There are many new hydroelectricity technologies being developed that will mitigate these environmental impacts. We urge you to consider free-flow (or low-head) hydroelectric technologies as they become more commercially available, but keep in mind that all hydropower projects require a lengthy federal permitting process. (Photo Courtesy of FERC.)

Siting and Feasibility

Hydropower facilities can have a large negative impact on their surrounding area. New hydropower facilities are unlikely to receive local and federal approval. Those projects that restore or update existing or dormant sites are the most feasible.

Financing

First costs are generally high but hydropower facilities have long life cycles and O & M costs are typically low. Feasibility studies and construction grants for hydropower sites are available through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative – Massachusetts Interagency partnership.  Click here for more information.

The U.S. Department of Energy has funded hydroelectric projects in the past. Go to their website for more information.

Hydroelectric expenses can be defrayed by selling Renewable Energy Certificates from the electricity generated on site.

Case Study

Beals Memorial Library, located in Winchendon Massachusetts, recently undertook a feasibility study to explore the rehabilitation of a nearby hydroelectric microturbine system. The feasibility study, funded by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, found that the project had a short payback period of five years. The Library, in partnership with the town, intends to pursue this opportunity and begin a licensing process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Committee.

For more information about the Beals project, and to read their feasibility study, go to the MassTech website project page.

This is Just the Beginning...

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s website has general information on hydroelectricity as well as feasibility studies for Massachusetts sites. Visit the website.

The U.S. Department of Energy has information about hydroelectricity on their website.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues licenses for the construction of a new project; licenses for the continuance of an existing project (relicensing); and oversight of all ongoing project operations, including dam safety inspections and environmental monitoring. Find out more about the Commission by visiting the FERC website.