Overview
Fife Brook is a hydroelectric power plant in Massachusetts, USA, with a capacity of 11.2 MW. Operated by Bear Swamp Power Company LLC, it contributes to the region's renewable energy grid.
Fife Brook is a hydroelectric power plant located in Massachusetts, United States. With a capacity of 11.2 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the hydroelectric sector, contributing to the local renewable energy supply. The plant is operated by Bear Swamp Power Company LLC and is currently operational. As a hydroelectric facility, Fife Brook utilizes the natural flow of water to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion, resulting in low emissions of CO2, SOx, and NOx. The plant's technology is typical for run-of-river or small impoundment hydro projects common in the northeastern US. Regulatory oversight includes compliance with the Clean Water Act and state-level renewable portfolio standards. The plant's environmental impact is primarily associated with changes to local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. However, as a small-scale facility, its footprint is relatively limited. Fife Brook supports grid stability and provides clean energy to the surrounding area, aligning with regional goals for renewable energy adoption.
Environmental context
The plant's hydroelectric operation avoids direct air emissions, but its environmental context includes potential effects on local water bodies and aquatic habitats. Located in a forested region of Massachusetts, the facility must manage fish passage and water flow to minimize ecological disruption. The small capacity suggests a modest environmental footprint compared to larger hydro projects.
Frequently asked questions
Fife Brook is located in Massachusetts, United States, at coordinates 42.685700, -72.977600.
Fife Brook has a capacity of 11.2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Fife Brook is operated by Bear Swamp Power Company LLC.
Hydroelectric plants in the US must comply with the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and state-level renewable energy standards. They also require Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licenses.
As a hydroelectric plant, Fife Brook generates electricity without burning fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting Massachusetts' renewable portfolio standards.