Overview
Knife Falls is a 2.4 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United States, owned by ALLETE Inc. It is an operational facility generating renewable energy from hydropower.
Knife Falls is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, owned and operated by ALLETE Inc. With a capacity of 2.4 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the hydroelectric sector, contributing to the regional renewable energy mix. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Clean Air Act and other environmental standards. As a hydroelectric facility, it utilizes water flow to generate electricity, a technology that typically has low emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. The specific turbine type and design are not detailed, but small hydro plants often use run-of-river or impoundment configurations. Knife Falls plays a role in providing clean energy to the local grid, supporting sustainability goals. Its small capacity suggests it may serve a localized community or industrial user. The plant's operational status indicates ongoing contribution to power generation without significant environmental disruption, typical for well-sited hydro projects.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Knife Falls generates electricity with minimal direct air emissions, but its environmental impact depends on site-specific factors such as water flow management and aquatic ecosystem effects. The plant's small capacity (2.4 MW) suggests a relatively low footprint, though any hydro facility can alter local hydrology. The region's water resources and ecological sensitivity are key considerations for sustainable operation.
Frequently asked questions
Knife Falls is located in the United States, with coordinates approximately 46.7266 N, -92.4486 W.
Knife Falls has a capacity of 2.4 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Knife Falls is owned by ALLETE Inc., a utility company based in the United States.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for licensing and by the Clean Water Act for water quality. The Clean Air Act may also apply to construction activities.
As a hydroelectric plant, Knife Falls generates electricity from flowing water, a renewable resource, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.