Overview
Hoover Dam (AZ) is a 1,039.4 MW hydroelectric power plant operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on the Colorado River. It is a major renewable energy facility in the United States.
Hoover Dam (AZ) is a large hydroelectric power plant located on the Colorado River at the Nevada-Arizona border. With a capacity of 1,039.4 MW, it is one of the largest hydroelectric facilities in the United States, providing clean energy to the southwestern grid. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and complies with environmental standards set by the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Its technology utilizes the Colorado River's flow through massive turbines, with a design that has been operational since the 1930s. As a renewable energy source, Hoover Dam plays a critical role in reducing carbon emissions in the region. It supplies power to millions of households across Arizona, Nevada, and California, supporting both urban and rural communities. Its reservoir, Lake Mead, also serves as a key water resource for the arid Southwest.
Environmental context
The Hoover Dam hydroelectric plant has a low carbon footprint due to its renewable hydro source. However, its operation affects the Colorado River ecosystem, including fish migration and sediment transport. The reservoir, Lake Mead, experiences water level fluctuations due to drought and demand, impacting downstream habitats. The plant's age and large capacity require ongoing maintenance to ensure environmental compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Hoover Dam (AZ) is located on the Colorado River at the border between Nevada and Arizona, near the city of Boulder City, Nevada.
Hoover Dam (AZ) has a generating capacity of 1,039.4 megawatts (MW), making it one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the United States.
Hoover Dam (AZ) 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. must comply with the Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and the Federal Power Act. They also require licenses from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Hoover Dam (AZ) supplies renewable electricity to millions of customers in Arizona, Nevada, and California, helping to stabilize the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.