Overview
Flatiron is a 94.5 MW hydroelectric power plant in Colorado, United States, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides renewable energy to the regional grid.
Flatiron is a hydroelectric power plant located in Colorado, United States, with a capacity of 94.5 megawatts. Owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the facility is part of the Colorado-Big Thompson Project, which supplies water and power to the region. As a hydroelectric plant, it generates electricity from the flow of water, contributing to the renewable energy mix of the area. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and adheres to environmental standards set by the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Hydroelectric plants like Flatiron are considered low-emission sources, producing no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx during operation. The facility's capacity of 94.5 MW places it in the medium-scale range for hydroelectric power in the United States. Flatiron plays a significant role in the local grid by providing reliable, dispatchable renewable energy. Its integration with water management infrastructure supports both agricultural and municipal water needs in the region. The plant's operational status and ownership by a federal agency underscore its importance in the broader context of sustainable energy and water resource management in the western United States.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric facility, Flatiron produces electricity without direct combustion, resulting in minimal air emissions. However, the plant's operation can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and temperature. The facility is situated in a mountainous region of Colorado, where water resources are critical for both energy generation and ecological health. Regulatory oversight under the Clean Water Act ensures that the plant's operations minimize environmental impact on downstream habitats.
Frequently asked questions
Flatiron hydroelectric plant is located in Colorado, United States, at coordinates 40.365000, -105.236000.
Flatiron has a capacity of 94.5 megawatts, making it a medium-scale hydroelectric facility.
Flatiron 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. are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensing and compliance, and must adhere to environmental standards under the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Hydroelectric power generates electricity without direct air emissions, such as CO2, SOx, or NOx, and relies on renewable water resources. However, it can impact aquatic ecosystems through altered water flows and temperatures.