Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Industry Overview

Using hydroelectric renewable energy helps preserve the environment and saves money for your business

Hydroelectricity involves creating energy from water by running it through electrical turbines. Water from streams and ocean tidal can both produce electricity. Using such energy for your business helps cut down on overall fossil fuel emissions in your state. Hydroelectric renewable energy generally costs less, particularly in the west, where many hydroelectric dams exist. Take advantage of every hydroelectric renewable energy industry overview to learn how to adopt or create this energy source for your business.

Depending on your location, you could build your own plant to generate hydroelectric power. You may also connect to a pre-existing utility company that derives its electricity from dams. Some of these hydroelectric companies are corporations while others are non-profit public utility districts.

Consider installing a hydroelectric renewable energy plant or buying power from another source by studying the following:

1. Study governmental regulations related to hydroelectric renewable energy.

2. Explore companies who provide hydroelectric renewable energy.

3. Find other information to help you make an informed decision about using hydroelectricity.

 

Find out what regulations govern hydroelectric companies

As with any other industry, certain laws apply to construction and operation of plants that generate energy from water. Some safety regulations apply, while other laws deal with lessening the environmental impact of dam construction.
Try: The Lower Impact Hydropower Institute certifies hydroelectric projects. This certification means the project meets standards for reducing environmental impact of the hydroelectric project. The Federal Regulatory Energy Commission issues licenses for new projects, issues licenses to continue operating an existing project and performs dam safety inspections. This website contains a listing of state agencies to contact if you consider a hydroelectric project.

Study hydroelectricity companies that build hydroelectric plants and/or operate them

Utility, energy and engineering companies get involved in constructing and managing hydroelectric facilities. Some companies operate large numbers of hydroelectric plants in several states, while others operate only a few projects. Your business can benefit by studying currently operating projects to understand what is involved in producing your own hydroelectric plant.
Try: GZA GeoEnvironmental provides all services needed to install equipment to generate power from dams. This includes feasibility studies, selecting turbines, meeting regulations and designing the dam. FPL Energy builds and operates hydroelectric plants in 25 states and Canada. FPL uses hydroelectric renewable energy in some of its plants. Progress Energy operates small hydroelectric projects in North Carolina. This website describes the projects and their operation.

Research governmental studies about the use of hydroelectric power

Different branches of the government research alternative energy sources, particularly renewable energy. Hydroelectric renewable energy attracts attention because after initial construction, the costs of operation and distribution remain constant and inexpensive. Certain environmental impacts deserve consideration as well.
Try: The Environmental Protection Agency studies ways in which businesses and individuals can preserve or even generate a surplus of energy. This website provides a hydroelectric renewable energy industry overview and explains some of the benefits of hydropower and other ways to find information about this renewable energy source. The Idaho National Laboratory manages the Hydropower Program for the Department of Energy. This program studies the benefits of hydropower and researches technologies to increase hydro-powered energy capacity.

 

• Manufacturers may build a small-scale hydroproject, generally something generating from 1 to 10 megawatts. Such projects can supply enough water power for home hydroelectricity for a single residence or business to a small community. Such projects generally require less engineering and environmental studies prior to construction and do not cost as much to build.

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