Overview
Palisades Dam is a 176.4 MW hydroelectric power plant in the United States, operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. It provides renewable energy to the regional grid.
Palisades Dam is a hydroelectric power plant located in the United States, with an installed capacity of 176.4 MW. The facility is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and is currently operational, contributing to the nation's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates as a conventional hydroelectric facility, utilizing water flow from the Snake River. In the United States, hydroelectric plants like Palisades Dam are regulated under the Federal Power Act and overseen by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The technology is well-established, with typical efficiency rates above 90% for modern turbines. As a renewable energy source, Palisades Dam plays a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel plants. Its location in the western U.S. supports grid stability and provides clean electricity to surrounding communities. The facility's long operational history demonstrates the reliability of hydroelectric power in the region.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation at Palisades Dam has a low carbon footprint, with no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions during operation. However, the reservoir can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow patterns. The facility's capacity of 176.4 MW places it in the medium-to-large scale for hydroelectric plants in the U.S., and its location in a mountainous region supports consistent water availability.
Frequently asked questions
Palisades Dam is located in the United States, on the Snake River in Idaho, near the Wyoming border.
Palisades Dam has an installed capacity of 176.4 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large hydroelectric facility.
Palisades Dam is owned by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Hydroelectric plants in the US are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) under the Federal Power Act, which governs licensing, safety, and environmental compliance.
Hydroelectric power produces no direct air emissions, but reservoirs can alter aquatic habitats, affect fish migration, and change water quality. Mitigation measures like fish ladders are often required.