Overview
Buchanan Dam (TX) is a 54.9 MW hydroelectric power plant in Texas, USA, operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority. It provides renewable energy to the region.
Buchanan Dam (TX) is a hydroelectric power plant located in Texas, United States, with an operational capacity of 54.9 megawatts. Owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority, the facility harnesses the flow of the Colorado River to generate electricity. As a hydroelectric plant, it contributes to the renewable energy mix of the state. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and complies with environmental standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Hydroelectric power is a low-emission technology, and Buchanan Dam's capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale range for hydroelectric facilities in the US. The plant's technology is typical for run-of-river or reservoir-based hydroelectric generation. Buchanan Dam plays a role in supporting grid stability and providing clean energy to the Lower Colorado River Authority's service area. Its operation helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to Texas's renewable energy portfolio. The facility's location on the Colorado River also supports local water management and recreational activities.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation at Buchanan Dam produces minimal direct emissions, but the reservoir can affect local ecosystems by altering water flow and temperatures. The facility's location in central Texas, a region with variable rainfall, means water availability can impact generation capacity. The plant's operation is subject to environmental regulations under the Clean Water Act and state water rights, ensuring balanced use of water resources for power and other needs.
Frequently asked questions
Buchanan Dam (TX) is located in Texas, United States, on the Colorado River. Its coordinates are approximately 30.75°N, 98.42°W.
Buchanan Dam (TX) has an installed capacity of 54.9 megawatts, making it a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
Buchanan Dam (TX) is owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority, a public utility that manages water and power resources in central Texas.
Hydroelectric plants in the US must comply with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing requirements and the Clean Water Act, which governs water quality and ecosystem impacts.
Hydroelectric power is a low-carbon energy source, but it can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, and change water temperature and flow patterns. Proper management and mitigation measures are required to minimize these impacts.