Overview
Mount Elbert is a 200 MW hydroelectric power plant in Colorado, United States, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides renewable energy to the regional grid.
Mount Elbert is a hydroelectric power plant located in Colorado, United States, with a capacity of 200 megawatts. It is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and is currently operational. The facility harnesses hydropower, a renewable energy source, to generate electricity. As a hydroelectric facility, Mount Elbert uses water flow to produce electricity without direct fuel combustion, resulting in low greenhouse gas emissions. The plant operates under federal regulations, including the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, which govern water use and environmental impacts. The technology involves turbines driven by water from reservoirs, typical of run-of-river or storage hydropower projects. The plant contributes to the regional power grid, supporting renewable energy goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its location in the Rocky Mountain region provides access to water resources from snowmelt and river systems. The facility plays a role in balancing grid demand and providing clean energy to communities in Colorado and beyond.
Environmental context
Mount Elbert's hydroelectric operation produces no direct air emissions, but its environmental footprint includes impacts on aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The plant's location in a mountainous region may affect local fish habitats and sediment transport. However, as a renewable energy source, it displaces fossil fuel generation, reducing regional CO2 and pollutant emissions. The facility's capacity of 200 MW places it in the medium-to-large scale for hydropower, with associated reservoir management considerations.
Frequently asked questions
Mount Elbert is located in Colorado, United States, at coordinates 39.094200, -106.352300.
Mount Elbert has a capacity of 200 megawatts, making it a medium-to-large scale hydroelectric facility.
Mount Elbert is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Hydroelectric plants in the U.S. are regulated under the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Federal Power Act, which address water quality, environmental impact, and licensing.
Mount Elbert generates clean electricity from hydropower, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting state and federal renewable energy targets.