Hydro Day recognizes hydropower’s contributions to America’s clean, renewable energy mix
For over 135 years, hydropower has powered America with clean, renewable energy. In recognition of America’s first renewable, Kaukauna Utilities (KU) is pleased to celebrate National Hydropower Day. National Hydropower Day celebrates hydropower’s undeniable contributions to America’s clean energy infrastructure. As the renewable resource that integrates the other renewables, like wind and solar, onto the grid, hydropower plays a critical role in advancing America’s clean energy future.
Today, KU owns and operates seven hydro facilities located along the Fox River with a total generating capacity of 26.4 megawatts (MW). Hydro production makes up 30% of total customer load at KU.
“Given that our hydro-electric plants have been powering this community for so long, the value they provide can sometimes go unnoticed,” said Dave Pahl, KU Manager of Generation & Substations. “Hydropower is the backbone of our electric system. As a hydropower generator, we are proud to power our communities’ homes, schools and businesses with clean, renewable energy.”
Nationwide, in 2019, hydropower represented nearly 6.6 % of total U.S. electricity generation and 38% of renewable electricity generation. The U.S. hydropower fleet is comprised of approximately 2,200 power plants with a total capacity of roughly 80 GW, which includes 91% of U.S. storage capacity (23 GW) of pumped storage. Hydropower is also a major job creator, employing approximately 66,500 workers in the U.S.
Given that hydropower pairs perfectly with other renewables, such as wind and solar, states throughout the U.S. are recognizing that hydropower is needed to help them meet their clean energy targets. Hydropower enables greater integration of variable renewables into the grid by utilizing excess generation, and being ready to produce power during low wind and solar generation periods. Hydropower also has the ability to quickly ramp up electricity generation in response to periods of peak demand.
