Overview
Jordanelle Dam Hydroelectric Project is a 13 MW hydroelectric facility in Utah, USA, operated by Central Utah Water Conservancy District. It generates renewable power using water from the Jordanelle Reservoir.
The Jordanelle Dam Hydroelectric Project is a hydroelectric power plant located in Utah, United States, with an installed capacity of 13 megawatts (MW). It is owned and operated by the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, a public agency responsible for water management in the region. The facility is operational and contributes to the local power grid as a renewable energy source. As a hydroelectric plant, it converts the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity, typically using turbines driven by water released from the Jordanelle Reservoir. The plant's capacity of 13 MW places it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric facilities in the United States. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which oversees non-federal hydropower projects, and must comply with environmental and operational standards. The Jordanelle Dam Hydroelectric Project plays a role in supporting Utah's energy mix by providing clean, renewable power. Its operation is integrated with the water management functions of the Jordanelle Dam, which also serves flood control, irrigation, and recreation purposes. The plant's location in the Wasatch Range region benefits from consistent water flows from snowmelt and precipitation, ensuring reliable generation.
Environmental context
The Jordanelle Dam Hydroelectric Project utilizes hydropower, a renewable energy source with low direct carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. However, the dam and reservoir can alter local aquatic ecosystems and fish migration patterns. The facility's small capacity (13 MW) limits its overall environmental footprint. Proximity to the Jordanelle State Park and recreational areas requires careful management of water levels and downstream flows to balance power generation with ecological and recreational needs.
Frequently asked questions
The Jordanelle Dam Hydroelectric Project is located in Utah, United States, at coordinates 40.596600 N, -111.423600 W, near the Jordanelle Reservoir.
The Jordanelle Dam Hydroelectric Project has an installed capacity of 13 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned and operated by the Central Utah Water Conservancy District, a public agency focused on water resource management in the region.
Hydroelectric projects in the U.S. are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Federal Power Act, which oversees licensing, safety, and environmental compliance.
As a hydroelectric facility, it produces low-carbon electricity but can affect local aquatic habitats and fish migration. The project must comply with environmental mitigation measures to minimize ecological disruption.