Overview
Canyon Ferry is a 49.8 MW hydroelectric power plant in Montana, United States, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides renewable energy to the regional grid.
Canyon Ferry is a hydroelectric power plant located in Montana, United States, with a capacity of 49.8 MW. It 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. The plant is part of the Missouri River Basin hydropower system. The facility operates as a run-of-river hydroelectric plant, utilizing the flow of the Missouri River to generate electricity. Hydroelectric power is a low-carbon energy source, and Canyon Ferry contributes to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant's capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale for hydroelectric facilities in the United States. Canyon Ferry plays a role in supporting grid stability and providing clean energy to the surrounding area. As a federal facility, it operates under environmental regulations including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Clean Water Act. The plant's operation aligns with regional water management objectives, including irrigation and flood control.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation at Canyon Ferry produces no direct air emissions, contributing to lower regional CO2, SOx, and NOx levels compared to fossil fuel plants. The facility's location on the Missouri River involves management of water flow and aquatic ecosystems. The plant's age and technology are typical for mid-20th century federal hydropower projects, with ongoing maintenance to ensure efficiency and environmental compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Canyon Ferry is located in Montana, United States, on the Missouri River. Its coordinates are approximately 46.6490 N, -111.7279 W.
Canyon Ferry has a generating capacity of 49.8 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
Canyon Ferry is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Hydroelectric plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing requirements, which address water quality, fish passage, and ecosystem impacts.
Canyon Ferry generates clean, renewable electricity without direct carbon emissions, supporting Montana's renewable energy goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.