Overview
Fontenelle is a 10 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United States, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides renewable energy generation from hydropower.
Fontenelle is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, with a capacity of 10 MW. The facility is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency responsible for water and power management in the western United States. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, contributing to the nation's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Hydroelectric plants like Fontenelle typically have low emissions but can impact local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and temperature. The 10 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric facilities. Fontenelle plays a role in the regional power grid, providing clean energy and supporting grid stability. Its operation by the Bureau of Reclamation ties it to broader water management objectives, including irrigation and flood control. The plant's environmental significance includes its low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, though it requires careful management of downstream water quality and fish habitats.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation at Fontenelle involves minimal direct emissions, but the plant's operation can affect local water ecosystems. The facility's location in the western U.S. places it in a region where water resources are critical for agriculture and urban use. Changes in water flow due to power generation can impact fish migration and sediment transport. The plant's small capacity (10 MW) limits its overall environmental footprint, but cumulative effects of multiple hydro projects in the region require coordinated management under the Clean Water Act and state water quality standards.
Frequently asked questions
Fontenelle is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 42.0270° N, -110.0640° W. It is operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Fontenelle has a generating capacity of 10 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency that manages water and power resources in the western United States.
Hydroelectric plants in the US must comply with the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Federal Power Act. They often require licenses from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must address impacts on water quality and aquatic habitats.
Fontenelle provides renewable hydroelectric power to the regional grid, supporting clean energy goals and grid reliability. Its operation by the Bureau of Reclamation also integrates with water management for irrigation and flood control.