The Benefits of Low-Head Hydropower

Hydropower has been utilized in the United States since the late 1800’s. It is the nation’s oldest and largest source of renewable electricity (nearly 70 percent of total renewable output) and accounts for approximately seven percent of the nation’s total electric production. However, there are tremendous growth opportunities for new hydropower capacity. In fact, the U.S. could double its hydropower output without building a single, new dam.

Hydropower is the lowest cost renewable energy source and the most efficient source of power generation. Some of the benefits of low-head hydropower, and Hydro Green Energy’s projects in particular, are found below.

• Renewable, predictable and reliable
• No carbon, NOx, mercury or SO2 emissions
• Supports intermittent resources, such as wind and solar
• Capacity factors of 55% to 90%, which are considerably higher than the capacity factors found at wind (~30%) and solar (~35%) power projects
• In most locations, demand centers and transmission and distribution infrastructure exist within less than 10 miles of the resource
• Projects can be installed and operate with minimal environmental impacts and no impacts to an existing dams current function (navigation, flood control, water supply, etc.)
• Reliable power generation during peak power periods, when power is most needed and most expensive on spot markets