Overview
Gaston Shoals is a 6.7 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United States, owned by Northbrook Carolina Hydro II LLC. It is operational and contributes to renewable energy generation.
Gaston Shoals is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, with a capacity of 6.7 MW. The facility is owned by Northbrook Carolina Hydro II LLC and is currently operational, playing a role in the country's renewable energy portfolio. As a hydroelectric facility, Gaston Shoals operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in the United States. Hydroelectric plants are subject to licensing requirements that include environmental impact assessments and operational conditions to ensure sustainable water use and minimal ecological disruption. The plant's relatively small capacity positions it as a local contributor to the power grid, serving nearby communities with clean energy. Its operation supports the broader transition to low-carbon electricity generation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to regional energy diversity.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation like Gaston Shoals has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and fish passage. The facility's location in the southeastern United States places it in a region with diverse water resources, where careful management of water levels and environmental flows is important to maintain ecological balance.
Frequently asked questions
Gaston Shoals is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 35.1381 N, -81.5975 W.
Gaston Shoals has a capacity of 6.7 MW, making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Gaston Shoals is owned by Northbrook Carolina Hydro II LLC.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which issues licenses and ensures compliance with environmental and operational standards.
Hydroelectric power has low greenhouse gas emissions but can affect aquatic habitats, water flow, and fish migration. Proper management and mitigation measures are required to minimize ecological impacts.