Overview
Collierville Powerhouse is a 253 MW hydroelectric facility in California, operated by Northern California Power Agency. It contributes to the region's renewable energy grid with low-carbon power generation.
Collierville Powerhouse is a hydroelectric power plant located in California, United States, with an installed capacity of 253 megawatts. Operated by the Northern California Power Agency, the facility plays a key role in the state's renewable energy portfolio, leveraging water resources to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act, though hydroelectric facilities typically have minimal air emissions. The technology relies on water flow through turbines, a mature and efficient method for converting hydraulic energy into electrical power. California's stringent environmental regulations ensure that such facilities maintain high operational standards. As a renewable energy source, Collierville Powerhouse contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supports California's ambitious clean energy targets. Its capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for hydroelectric plants, providing reliable baseload power to the regional grid. The facility's operational status underscores its ongoing importance in the local energy mix.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation like Collierville Powerhouse produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, making it a low-carbon energy source. However, the facility's environmental footprint includes potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. Located in California, the plant operates under state and federal water quality regulations, including the Clean Water Act, to mitigate ecological effects. The 253 MW capacity indicates a significant water diversion, requiring careful management of downstream habitats and fish migration patterns.
Frequently asked questions
Collierville Powerhouse is located in California, United States, at coordinates 38.1446 N, -120.3805 W.
Collierville Powerhouse is a hydroelectric power plant that generates electricity using water flow through turbines.
The facility is operated by the Northern California Power Agency, a public agency providing power to member communities.
Hydroelectric plants in the US must comply with the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and state-level water rights and environmental regulations.
Hydroelectric power provides low-carbon, renewable electricity, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supporting grid stability with dispatchable generation.