Overview
Little Cottonwood is a 4.8 MW hydroelectric power plant in Utah, United States, operated by the City of Murray. It generates renewable energy from water flow.
Little Cottonwood is a hydroelectric power plant located in Utah, United States, with a generating capacity of 4.8 MW. The facility is owned and operated by the City of Murray and is currently operational, contributing to the local power grid with renewable energy. As a hydroelectric facility, Little Cottonwood converts the kinetic energy of flowing water into electricity, a clean and renewable source. The plant's capacity of 4.8 MW places it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric power generation. In the United States, hydroelectric plants are regulated under the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with environmental standards such as the Clean Water Act. The plant supports the City of Murray's energy portfolio by providing a steady, low-emission power source. Its location in Utah, a state with diverse geography and water resources, allows it to harness local water flows efficiently. The facility plays a role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributes to regional renewable energy goals.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and fish passage. Little Cottonwood's small capacity minimizes its environmental impact relative to larger dams. The plant's operation in Utah, a state with variable water availability, may be influenced by seasonal runoff and drought conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Little Cottonwood is located in Utah, United States, at coordinates 40.5850, -111.8006.
Little Cottonwood has a generating capacity of 4.8 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The plant is owned and operated by the City of Murray in Utah.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and must comply with the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and other federal and state environmental laws.
Hydroelectric power is renewable and low-emission, but can alter water flow, affect fish migration, and impact local ecosystems. Small-scale plants like Little Cottonwood typically have reduced environmental footprints compared to large dams.