Overview
Anderson Ranch is a 40 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United States, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides renewable energy to the regional grid.
Anderson Ranch is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, with a capacity of 40 MW. The facility is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency under the Department of the Interior. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, contributing to the nation's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which oversees non-federal hydroelectric projects. However, as a federal facility, it may also comply with other environmental regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The 40 MW capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for hydroelectric plants in the U.S., which typically vary from small run-of-river projects to large dams exceeding 1,000 MW. Anderson Ranch plays a role in supporting grid stability and providing clean energy to the surrounding region. Hydroelectric power offers low operational emissions and flexibility in meeting peak demand. The plant's location in the western U.S. aligns with the region's reliance on hydropower as a key renewable resource, particularly in areas with significant water infrastructure managed by federal agencies.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation like Anderson Ranch has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The facility's operation may influence downstream water temperatures, sediment transport, and fish migration patterns. Hydro plants in the western U.S. often serve both energy and water management purposes, including irrigation and flood control.
Frequently asked questions
Anderson Ranch is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 43.3571° N, 115.4515° W. It operates within the western U.S. region.
Anderson Ranch has a generating capacity of 40 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
Anderson Ranch is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency responsible for water and power management in the western United States.
Hydroelectric plants in the U.S. are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for non-federal projects, while federal facilities like Anderson Ranch comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental laws.
Hydroelectric power has low greenhouse gas emissions but can alter aquatic habitats, affect fish migration, and change water flow and temperature. Environmental mitigation measures are often required to minimize these impacts.