Overview
Cottonwood is a 1.6 MW hydroelectric power plant in California, owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. It is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy grid.
Cottonwood is a hydroelectric power plant located in California, United States, with a capacity of 1.6 MW. It is owned and operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, a major municipal utility. The plant is operational and plays a role in the local energy mix. As a small-scale hydroelectric facility, Cottonwood utilizes the flow of water to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion. In the United States, hydroelectric plants are subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing and environmental regulations, including the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The plant's technology is typical for run-of-river or small impoundment hydro projects. The plant's environmental footprint is relatively low compared to fossil fuel plants, as hydroelectric power produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions. However, its location in a mountainous region may involve considerations for aquatic ecosystems and water flow management. Cottonwood supports California's renewable energy goals and provides clean electricity to the grid.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation like Cottonwood has minimal air emissions but can affect local aquatic habitats and water flow. The plant's small capacity (1.6 MW) suggests a limited environmental impact. In California, hydroelectric projects must comply with state and federal water quality standards and often include measures to protect fish and wildlife. The plant's operation is consistent with the region's focus on renewable energy.
Frequently asked questions
Cottonwood is located in California, United States, at coordinates 36.443400, -118.043900.
The Cottonwood hydroelectric plant has a capacity of 1.6 megawatts (MW).
The plant is owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power.
Hydroelectric plants in the U.S. are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Federal Power Act, and must comply with the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Hydroelectric power produces no direct air emissions, but can affect aquatic ecosystems and water flow. Small-scale plants like Cottonwood typically have lower environmental impacts than large dams.