Overview
Apple River is a 2.4 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United States, operated by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota. It generates renewable electricity from hydropower.
Apple River is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, specifically in the state of Minnesota. With a capacity of 2.4 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the hydroelectric sector. The plant is owned and operated by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, and is currently operational. The plant utilizes hydropower technology, converting the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity. As a run-of-river or reservoir-based facility, it contributes to the renewable energy mix of the region. The capacity of 2.4 MW places it in the small-scale category, typical for many hydroelectric plants in the United States that serve local communities or supplement the grid. Apple River's environmental significance lies in its use of a renewable, low-carbon energy source. Hydroelectric power generation avoids the combustion of fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants. The plant supports grid stability and provides clean energy to the local area, aligning with broader state and national goals for renewable energy adoption.
Environmental context
The Apple River hydroelectric plant operates in a region with abundant water resources, typical for hydropower generation. Its small capacity minimizes ecological disruption compared to larger dams, though any hydro facility can affect local aquatic habitats and flow regimes. The plant's renewable energy output displaces fossil fuel-based generation, contributing to reduced CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions. Small hydro plants often have limited environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Apple River hydroelectric plant is located in the United States, in the state of Minnesota. Its coordinates are approximately 45.1576 N, -92.7162 W.
Apple River has a capacity of 2.4 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensing and compliance. Environmental impacts are assessed under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and water quality is governed by the Clean Water Act.
As a hydroelectric plant, Apple River generates electricity without burning fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It supports Minnesota's renewable portfolio standard, which aims for a significant share of electricity from renewable sources.