Overview
Cobble Mountain is a 33 MW hydroelectric power plant in Massachusetts, USA, operated by the City of Holyoke Gas and Electric Dept. It provides renewable energy to the local grid.
Cobble Mountain is a hydroelectric power plant located in Massachusetts, United States, with a capacity of 33 megawatts. The facility is owned and operated by the City of Holyoke Gas and Electric Department, serving the local community with renewable energy. As a hydroelectric facility, Cobble Mountain utilizes water flow to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal air emissions. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with environmental standards such as the Clean Water Act. The plant contributes to the regional energy mix by providing a steady source of low-carbon power. Its operation supports grid stability and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with state-level renewable energy goals in Massachusetts.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation at Cobble Mountain produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, offering a clean energy source. However, the facility's environmental footprint includes potential impacts on local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. Located in a forested region of western Massachusetts, the plant operates in an area with moderate population density, balancing energy production with environmental stewardship.
Frequently asked questions
Cobble Mountain is located in Massachusetts, United States, at coordinates 42.1171 N, -72.8647 W.
Cobble Mountain has a generating capacity of 33 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned and operated by the City of Holyoke Gas and Electric Department, a municipal utility serving Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Hydroelectric plants in the US must comply with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing requirements and the Clean Water Act, including Section 401 water quality certifications and Section 404 permits for impacts to waters.
As a hydroelectric plant, Cobble Mountain generates electricity without direct fossil fuel combustion, supporting Massachusetts' Renewable Portfolio Standard goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.