November 2023

Journal

United States trends in non-powered dam electrification

By:
Witt, Adam M; Uria Martinez, Rocio ; Johnson, Megan M; Werble, Joseph M; Mobley, Miles H; O'connor, Patrick W
Journal Name:
The International Journal on Hydropower and Dams
Page Number:
33-38
Volume:
x
Issue Number:
4
Publication Date:
November 9, 2023

Abstract

Over the past two decades, retrofitting existing non-powered dams for electricity generation has been the primary hydropower development activity in United States. A total of 58 existing non-powered dams are currently licensed to produce an estimated 3.7 TWh of annual energy output from 888 MW of cumulative installed capacity. In this article we provide a review of development trends, focusing on the variety of dam types developed, strategies by type, cost data, environmental mitigation trends, and market drivers.