Overview
Davis Dam is a 254.8 MW hydroelectric power plant operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in the United States. It provides renewable energy to the regional grid.
Davis Dam is a hydroelectric power plant located on the Colorado River in the United States, near the border between Arizona and Nevada. With a capacity of 254.8 MW, it is a medium-scale hydro facility that contributes to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency responsible for water and power management. The plant's hydroelectric technology harnesses the flow of the Colorado River to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal air emissions. As a run-of-river or storage-type facility, it provides flexible power generation that can be adjusted to meet demand. The U.S. regulatory framework for hydroelectric plants includes licensing by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and compliance with environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Davis Dam plays a key role in the regional power grid, supplying clean energy to communities in the southwestern United States. Its operation supports water management for irrigation and municipal use, while also providing recreational opportunities at the reservoir. The plant's long operational history demonstrates the reliability of hydroelectric power in the region.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation at Davis Dam produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, making it a low-carbon energy source. However, the dam and reservoir can alter local aquatic ecosystems and sediment transport in the Colorado River. The facility's location in an arid region means water availability is a key environmental factor, influenced by drought and climate variability. The plant operates under environmental regulations that address fish passage, water quality, and flow management to mitigate ecological impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Davis Dam is located on the Colorado River in the United States, near the border between Arizona and Nevada.
Davis Dam has a generating capacity of 254.8 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
Davis Dam 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 FERC licensing requirements, the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the Endangered Species Act, among others.
Hydroelectric power produces no direct air emissions, but dams can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, and change sediment transport. Operators implement measures to mitigate these impacts.