Overview
Paia Hydroelectric Plant is a 1.3 MW hydroelectric facility in Hawaii, USA, owned by Mahi Pono LLC. It contributes renewable energy to the local grid.
Paia Hydroelectric Plant is a small-scale hydroelectric power plant located in Hawaii, United States, with a capacity of 1.3 MW. Owned by Mahi Pono LLC, the facility is operational and contributes to the region's renewable energy portfolio. As a hydroelectric plant, it harnesses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity without direct fuel combustion. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, including the Clean Water Act and state-level water rights. Hydroelectric facilities in Hawaii are subject to environmental review and permitting by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for non-federal projects. The small capacity indicates a run-of-river or low-impact design typical of smaller hydro projects. Environmentally, the Paia Hydroelectric Plant provides low-carbon electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its location in Hawaii supports the state's goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045. The plant's small scale minimizes ecological disruption, though hydro projects can affect local aquatic habitats. Overall, it represents a clean energy asset for the community.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation has a low carbon footprint but can impact local aquatic ecosystems through altered water flow and fish passage. The Paia plant's small capacity suggests minimal environmental disruption. Hawaii's renewable energy goals benefit from such facilities, which displace fossil fuel generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Frequently asked questions
The Paia Hydroelectric Plant is located in Hawaii, United States, near the town of Paia on the island of Maui.
The Paia Hydroelectric Plant has a capacity of 1.3 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
The Paia Hydroelectric Plant is owned by Mahi Pono LLC, a company involved in agricultural and renewable energy projects in Hawaii.
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. State-level water rights and environmental reviews also apply.
Hydroelectric power generates electricity without burning fossil fuels, resulting in low greenhouse gas emissions. It supports renewable energy goals and can provide grid stability, though it requires careful management of water resources and aquatic habitats.