Putting Water to Work

Hydropower harnesses the force of moving water to create electric power. It is far less expensive than fossil fuels or nuclear energy, and does not contribute to greenhouse gases, although there are environmental concerns involving the effects of reservoirs.

The main advantage of hydroelectric dams is their ability to handle seasonal and daily peak demand. When demand slows, hydroelectric sites store water, and when demand jumps, more electricity can be generated.

Hydroelectric power does not always require a dam, though, and “run-of-the-river” projects use only portions of the stream flow.  These projects have virtually no adverse environmental impact.

CCEF commissioned a small hydro study in 2005 and revised in 2007 entitled “Run-of-River Hydropower in Connecticut: Opportunities and Challenges for Developers, and Recommendations for CCEF Support”.  This report addresses public policy challenges such as FERC licensing requirements, environmental review requirements, as well as opportunities presented by new public policy initiatives such RPS requirements and the Alternative Transitional Standard Offer (ATSO).  It looks at the economic challenges facing these projects as well as the opportunities. The report also provides a summary Resource Assessment for the region and new hydropower technologies that might offer cost effective ways to mine this resource.