Overview
Carter Hydro is a 2.6 MW hydroelectric power plant in Colorado, USA, owned by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District. It generates renewable electricity from hydropower.
Carter Hydro is a hydroelectric power plant located in Colorado, United States, with a capacity of 2.6 MW. The facility is owned by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District and is currently operational. As a small-scale hydroelectric plant, it contributes 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 for hydropower projects. Hydroelectric plants like Carter Hydro typically use run-of-river or reservoir-based systems to convert water flow into electricity, with minimal emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. Carter Hydro provides clean energy to the local grid, supporting Colorado's renewable energy goals. Its small capacity makes it suitable for local or community-scale power needs, reducing reliance on larger, more carbon-intensive sources. The plant's operation aligns with the region's focus on sustainable water and energy management.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow. Carter Hydro's small capacity (2.6 MW) suggests limited environmental impact, though specific effects depend on its design (e.g., run-of-river vs. reservoir). The plant is located in Colorado, a state with diverse geography and a growing emphasis on renewable energy. Its operation likely complies with federal and state environmental regulations, including those related to water quality and fish passage.
Frequently asked questions
Carter Hydro is located in Colorado, United States, at coordinates 40.324200, -105.208900.
Carter Hydro has a capacity of 2.6 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric power plant.
Carter Hydro is owned by the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District.
Hydroelectric plants in the U.S. are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensing and by the Clean Water Act for water quality. State-level regulations also apply.
Carter Hydro generates electricity from hydropower, a renewable source, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supporting Colorado's clean energy goals.