Overview
Cabinet Gorge is a 265.2 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United States, operated by Avista Corp. It generates renewable energy from hydropower.
Cabinet Gorge is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, with a capacity of 265.2 MW. The facility is owned and operated by Avista Corp, a regional energy company serving the Pacific Northwest. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, contributing to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Clean Water Act and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing requirements for hydropower projects. Hydroelectric plants like Cabinet Gorge are considered low-emission sources, producing no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx during operation. The technology typically involves turbines driven by water flow, with capacity factors depending on water availability. Cabinet Gorge plays a significant role in the local grid by providing reliable, dispatchable renewable energy. Its location in the Pacific Northwest leverages the region's abundant water resources. The plant supports Avista Corp's commitment to clean energy and helps meet the electricity needs of surrounding communities without contributing to air pollution.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. Cabinet Gorge's operation may influence local fish populations and river habitats, though modern practices include fish ladders and flow management. The plant's location in a mountainous region with significant water resources supports its renewable energy output, while its proximity to populated areas is limited, reducing direct human exposure to operational impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Cabinet Gorge is located in the United States, specifically in the Pacific Northwest region, with coordinates 48.0844 N, -116.0531 W.
Cabinet Gorge has a generating capacity of 265.2 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large hydroelectric facility.
Cabinet Gorge is owned and operated by Avista Corp, a utility company serving customers in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are regulated under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing process, the Clean Water Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which require environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures.
Hydroelectric power is a low-carbon energy source but can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, and change water quality. Modern plants often incorporate fish passage systems and flow management to minimize ecological impacts.