Overview
Jim Falls is a 59.8 MW hydroelectric power plant in Wisconsin, USA, operated by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota. It generates renewable electricity from hydropower.
Jim Falls is a hydroelectric power plant located in Wisconsin, United States, with an operational capacity of 59.8 MW. Owned by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota, the facility is part of the region's renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to the grid with clean hydropower. As a hydroelectric facility, Jim Falls utilizes flowing water to generate electricity, a technology with low operational emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with environmental standards set by the Clean Water Act and state-level water quality regulations. The plant's capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale for hydroelectric facilities in the US. Its operation supports local energy needs and contributes to the state's renewable energy portfolio, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and providing grid stability through dispatchable hydropower.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation like Jim Falls has a low carbon footprint but can affect local aquatic ecosystems. The plant's location in Wisconsin, a state with abundant water resources, means it operates within a context of seasonal flow variations and potential impacts on fish migration and water quality. Regulatory oversight ensures compliance with environmental standards to mitigate these effects.
Frequently asked questions
Jim Falls is located in Wisconsin, United States, at coordinates 45.051000 N, -91.274000 W.
Jim Falls has a generating capacity of 59.8 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 regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensing and compliance, and must adhere to the Clean Water Act and state water quality standards.
Hydroelectric power has low greenhouse gas emissions but can alter aquatic habitats, affect fish migration, and change water flow patterns. Proper siting and mitigation measures help minimize these impacts.