Overview
North Platte is a 26.2 MW hydroelectric power plant in Nebraska, USA, operated by Nebraska Public Power District. It provides renewable energy to the local grid.
North Platte is a hydroelectric power plant located in Nebraska, United States, with a capacity of 26.2 MW. Owned and operated by Nebraska Public Power District, the facility is part of the state's renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to the region's power generation mix. As a hydroelectric facility, North Platte utilizes water flow to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion, resulting in minimal air emissions. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Clean Air Act and state-level environmental regulations, which set standards for water quality and ecosystem protection. The plant's operational status is active, and it plays a role in supporting grid stability and renewable energy goals in Nebraska. Its capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale for hydroelectric plants, serving local communities with clean energy.
Environmental context
The North Platte hydroelectric plant operates in a region where water resources are managed for multiple uses, including power generation, agriculture, and recreation. Hydroelectric power has a low carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants, but can affect local aquatic ecosystems through changes in water flow and temperature. The facility's location in Nebraska, a state with significant agricultural activity, means that water management is critical for balancing energy production with environmental stewardship.
Frequently asked questions
The North Platte hydroelectric power plant is located in Nebraska, United States, at coordinates 41.0864 N, -100.7594 W.
The North Platte hydroelectric power plant has a capacity of 26.2 megawatts (MW).
The North Platte hydroelectric plant is owned by Nebraska Public Power District.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are subject to the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensing requirements, which address water quality, fish passage, and ecosystem impacts.
Hydroelectric power generation has low air emissions but can alter river ecosystems, affect fish migration, and change water temperature and flow patterns. Proper management and mitigation measures are required to minimize these impacts.