Fourth Branch Hydroelectric Facility: 3.3 MW Hydroelectric Power Plant in New York, USA

The Fourth Branch Hydroelectric Facility is a small-scale hydroelectric power plant located in New York, United States, with an operational capacity of 3.3 MW. Owned and operated by Boralex Hydro Operations Inc, the facility contributes to the regional renewable energy mix by harnessing the flow of water to generate electricity. As a hydroelectric plant, it operates without direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal air emissions compared to fossil fuel-based power generation. The facility's capacity places it in the small-scale category for hydropower, typical of run-of-river or low-head installations common in the northeastern United States. Regulatory oversight falls under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing requirements for hydropower projects. The facility supports local grid stability and provides clean energy to the surrounding area. Its operation aligns with state-level renewable portfolio standards and carbon reduction goals, contributing to the broader transition toward low-carbon power generation in the region.

The facility's hydroelectric generation avoids the CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions associated with fossil fuel plants, reducing local air pollution and greenhouse gas footprint. Its location in New York, a state with ambitious renewable energy targets, positions it within a supportive regulatory framework. The small capacity and run-of-river design likely minimize ecological disruption to the waterway, though hydropower can affect aquatic habitats and flow regimes.