Overview
Holcombe is a 33.9 MW hydroelectric power plant in Wisconsin, United States, operated by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota. It generates renewable electricity from hydropower.
Holcombe is a hydroelectric power plant located in Wisconsin, United States, with a capacity of 33.9 MW. The facility is owned by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota and is currently operational. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity, contributing to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Clean Air Act and state-level environmental regulations. Hydroelectric power is a low-emission energy source, and plants of this scale typically use run-of-river or reservoir-based technology. The facility's capacity places it in the small-to-medium range for hydroelectric plants in the US. Holcombe provides clean energy to the local grid, supporting efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its operation aligns with the growing emphasis on renewable energy in the United States, and it plays a role in meeting regional electricity demand without the air pollutants associated with fossil fuel plants.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Holcombe produces electricity with minimal direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, offering environmental benefits over fossil fuel generation. However, hydroelectric facilities can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow patterns. The plant's location in Wisconsin, a state with abundant water resources, supports its operation while requiring careful management of downstream impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Holcombe is located in Wisconsin, United States, at coordinates 45.2236 N, -91.1272 W.
Holcombe has a capacity of 33.9 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota, a utility company operating in the region.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are subject to the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing requirements, which address water quality, fish passage, and ecosystem impacts.
Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source with low greenhouse gas emissions, but it can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, and change water temperature and flow patterns. Proper siting and mitigation measures are used to minimize these impacts.