Overview
Dixon Hydroelectric Dam is a 3 MW hydroelectric power plant in Illinois, United States, operated by STS Hydropower LLC. It generates renewable electricity from water flow.
Dixon Hydroelectric Dam is a small-scale hydroelectric power plant located in Illinois, United States. With a capacity of 3 MW, it contributes to the local renewable energy grid. The facility is owned and operated by STS Hydropower LLC and is currently in operational status. As a hydroelectric facility, it operates without direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal air emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The plant likely uses run-of-river or dam-based technology typical of small hydro projects in the Midwest. Regulatory oversight falls under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensing and environmental compliance. The dam provides clean electricity to the surrounding area, supporting regional renewable energy goals. Its small capacity indicates a local or community-scale role, reducing reliance on grid-supplied power from larger, potentially fossil-fueled sources.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through altered water flow and fish passage. The Dixon Hydroelectric Dam, with its modest 3 MW capacity, likely has a limited environmental impact. Its operation in Illinois, a state with diverse energy mix, contributes to renewable energy diversity without significant air pollution concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Dixon Hydroelectric Dam is located in Illinois, United States, near coordinates 41.8453 N, -89.4813 W.
Dixon Hydroelectric Dam has a capacity of 3 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The facility is owned and operated by STS Hydropower LLC.
Hydroelectric projects in the US are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Federal Power Act, which oversees licensing, safety, and environmental compliance.
Hydroelectric power produces no direct air emissions but can impact aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow, fish migration, and habitat alteration. Small-scale dams like Dixon typically have lower environmental impacts than large projects.