FERC finds small increase in developed capacity; compiles other hydro figures

Journal Article · Tue Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Hydro Review; (United States)

OSTI ID:6263963

Preliminary data for a new report on hydropower resources shows that while developed US hydro capacity increased in the four years ending January 1, 1992, authorized (but not necessarily developed) capacity decreased by about the same rate. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission compiled the numbers for the latest version of Hydroelectric Power Resources of the United States, a report FERC issues every four years covering both developed and undeveloped capacity at both federal and nonfederal hydro sites. The latest version, expected to be available in the summer of 1993, covers the period from January 1, 1988, to January 1, 1992. The data lists a total developed US hydro capacity as of January 1, 1992, at 91,600 MW, a 3,700-MW (4.2 percent) increase from January 1, 1988. The remaining potential capacity was 73,200 MW, down 2,900 MW from 1988. Pumped storage was not included in data for potential capacity. Over the four-year period, there was a net decline in capacity that was authorized but not necessarily developed. FERC-authorized capacity went down to 55,300 MW from 58,000 MW < a 5 percent decrease. However authorized capacity at federal projects increased to 46,850 MW from 46,000 MW, an increase of nearly 2 percent. Construction was under way on 1,900 MW of FERC-authorized capacity and 350 MW of federal capacity as of January 1, 1992. That is a 39 percent decline in capacity under construction, compared to 3,100 MW of FERC-authorized and 300 MW of federal capacity under way four years before. Total potential conventional hydro capacity (developed and estimated to be available for development) was about 146,700 MW. About 73,500 MW have been developed (50 percent of the total potential). It is capable of generating an average 306.6 billion kilowatt-hours annually.

• OSTI ID: 6263963
• Journal Information: Hydro Review; (United States), Journal Name: Hydro Review; (United States) Vol. 7:4; ISSN HYREE8; ISSN 0884-0385
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130500* -- Hydro Energy-- Economic
Industrial
&amp; Business Aspects
CAPACITY
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY SOURCES
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NORTH AMERICA
PEAKING POWER PLANTS
POWER
POWER PLANTS
PUMPED STORAGE POWER PLANTS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
US DOE
US FERC
US ORGANIZATIONS
USA