No combustion during generation
Hydroelectric generators do not burn fossil fuels or directly emit air pollutants while producing power.
Renewable energy & stewardship
Clean generation with a responsibility to the river.
Hydropower offers durable renewable energy benefits. Responsible projects also recognize and manage effects on aquatic ecosystems and river conditions.
H₂ORENEWABLE
WATER CYCLE
WATER CYCLE
☀SunDrives the cycle
☁PrecipitationReplenishes rivers
≈Flowing waterStores energy
⚡HydropowerCreates electricity
Why it is renewable
The sun keeps water moving.
Solar energy drives evaporation, clouds return water as precipitation, and gravity carries it through watersheds. Hydropower captures a portion of that moving water’s energy without consuming the water as fuel.
Environmental and community value
Benefits that extend beyond a kilowatt.
Long operating life
Hydro facilities can serve communities for many decades, productively reusing durable infrastructure.
Reliable local resource
Hydropower is domestic and can complement variable resources such as wind and solar.
Existing-site opportunity
Modernizing established facilities can add renewable generation at previously developed sites.
Economic renewal
Reactivating historic assets can support skilled work, investment, and preservation.
Water returns downstream
Water passes through the turbine and returns to the river; operating rules protect required flows.
A balanced view
Renewable does not mean impact-free.
Dams and diversions can affect fish movement, flow patterns, sediment, water temperature, and habitat. Good stewardship addresses these effects through sound design, operation, monitoring, maintenance, and compliance.
Responsible operation considers
- Required downstream flows
- Fish and aquatic habitat
- Water quality and temperature
- Dam and public safety
- Seasonal river conditions
- Permits and licenses
Learn more
Authoritative resources
U.S. Department of Energy: How Hydropower Works ↗U.S. Department of Energy: Benefits of Hydropower ↗U.S. EIA: Hydropower and the Environment ↗Let’s create the next chapter
Interested in renewable power or mill redevelopment?
We welcome conversations with businesses, investors, project partners, and the Ashland community.