Overview
Deerfield 4 is a 4.8 MW hydroelectric power plant in Massachusetts, USA, operated by Great River Hydro LLC. It generates renewable electricity from the Deerfield River.
Deerfield 4 is a hydroelectric power plant located in Massachusetts, United States, with a capacity of 4.8 MW. It is owned and operated by Great River Hydro LLC and is currently operational. As a small-scale hydro facility, it contributes to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which oversees hydroelectric projects in the United States. Hydroelectric power is a low-emission energy source, and plants like Deerfield 4 typically have minimal air emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The facility uses run-of-river or storage technology typical of small hydro projects. Deerfield 4 plays a role in local grid stability and renewable energy generation. Its location on the Deerfield River supports regional clean energy goals. The plant's small capacity means it serves a local community or industrial user, contributing to energy diversity without significant environmental disruption.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric plants like Deerfield 4 have low greenhouse gas emissions but can affect aquatic ecosystems. The facility's small capacity (4.8 MW) suggests minimal water flow alteration. Located in a rural area of Massachusetts, the plant operates under FERC regulations that include environmental mitigation measures for fish passage and water quality. The Deerfield River supports local biodiversity, and the plant's operations are designed to balance power generation with ecological health.
Frequently asked questions
Deerfield 4 is located in Massachusetts, United States, on the Deerfield River.
Deerfield 4 has a capacity of 4.8 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric plant.
Deerfield 4 is owned and operated by Great River Hydro LLC.
Hydroelectric plants in the USA are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which issues licenses and ensures compliance with environmental and safety standards.
As a hydroelectric plant, Deerfield 4 has low carbon emissions but may affect local aquatic habitats. FERC licensing includes measures to mitigate environmental impacts, such as fish passage and flow management.