Stationary Energy

Hydropower

Hydropower is the nation's largest renewable electricity source, generating 80,000 megawatts of capacity. Although it is clean and produces no byproduct, critics of hydropower emphasize the negative impact that dams can have on natural habitats of fish and other wildlife, including detrimental changes in the quality (dissolved gases) of downstream. The negative effects of hydropower could be minimized by advancing technologies in hydropower generation.

• Consumption: Hydropower accounts for 2.73% of total energy consumption in the U.S. As of 2003, hydropower accounts for nearly 7% of all electricity produced in the United States and 15% or more of the electricity produced in Idaho (27%), Maine (15%), Montana (34%), Oregon (43%), South Dakota (30%), Vermont (37%), and Washington (44%).

• Supply:  Over one-half of the total U.S. hydroelectric capacity is concentrated in three states, Washington, California and Oregon. Approximately 27% is in Washington, the location of the Nation's largest hydroelectric facility – the Grand Coulee Dam.