Overview
Arrowrock Hydroelectric Project is a 15 MW hydroelectric power plant in Idaho, USA, operated by Boise-Kuna Irrigation District. It generates renewable electricity from water flow.
Arrowrock Hydroelectric Project is a hydroelectric power plant located in Idaho, United States, with a capacity of 15 megawatts. The facility is owned and operated by the Boise-Kuna Irrigation District, serving the local region with renewable energy. The plant utilizes hydroelectric technology, converting the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity. As a small-scale hydro facility, it operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the United States, which oversees licensing and environmental compliance for hydropower projects. This facility contributes to the regional power grid with clean, renewable energy, supporting Idaho's energy mix. Its operation by an irrigation district highlights the integration of water resource management and power generation, providing both agricultural and energy benefits to the community.
Environmental context
The Arrowrock Hydroelectric Project is located in a mountainous region of Idaho, where water resources are abundant. Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and fish passage. The facility's small capacity minimizes its environmental impact, and it operates under FERC regulations that include measures to protect water quality and wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
Arrowrock Hydroelectric Project is located in Idaho, United States, near the Boise River. The exact coordinates are 43.5950° N, -115.9233° W.
Arrowrock Hydroelectric Project has a generating capacity of 15 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned and operated by the Boise-Kuna Irrigation District, which manages water resources and power generation for the region.
Hydroelectric projects in the USA are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which issues licenses and ensures compliance with environmental and safety standards, including the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
As a hydroelectric plant, Arrowrock generates renewable energy with low greenhouse gas emissions. However, it can affect local aquatic habitats through altered water flows. FERC licensing typically includes measures to mitigate such impacts, such as fish passage facilities and minimum flow requirements.