Overview
Lower Malad is a 13.5 MW hydroelectric power plant in Idaho, United States, operated by Idaho Power Co. It generates renewable electricity from hydropower.
Lower Malad is a hydroelectric power plant located in Idaho, United States, with a generating capacity of 13.5 megawatts. The facility is owned and operated by Idaho Power Co, a regional utility serving the Pacific Northwest. As a hydroelectric plant, it contributes to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Clean Water Act and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing for hydropower projects. Hydroelectric plants like Lower Malad typically have low operational emissions but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through flow regulation and fish passage considerations. Lower Malad provides clean, renewable electricity to the Idaho grid, supporting the state's energy needs with minimal carbon footprint. Its capacity places it in the small-scale hydro category, typical for run-of-river or small dam projects in the region. The plant's long-term operation reflects the stability of hydroelectric power in the Pacific Northwest.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can alter river ecosystems through flow management and barriers to fish migration. The Lower Malad plant is located in Idaho, a state with significant hydropower resources, and its operation is subject to environmental regulations under the Clean Water Act and FERC licensing conditions. The facility's small capacity suggests minimal local environmental impact compared to larger dams.
Frequently asked questions
Lower Malad is located in Idaho, United States, with coordinates 42.865800 N, -114.906200 W.
Lower Malad has a generating capacity of 13.5 megawatts, making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Lower Malad is owned and operated by Idaho Power Co, a utility company serving the Pacific Northwest region.
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 and aquatic ecosystem protection.
Hydroelectric power has low greenhouse gas emissions but can affect river ecosystems through altered flow regimes, fish migration barriers, and habitat changes. Small-scale plants like Lower Malad typically have reduced impacts.