Hydropower in the U.S. - statistics & facts
Hydropower has long been celebrated for its ability to provide a reliable, renewable energy source while supporting agricultural needs and managing water resources. However, despite its many advantages, hydropower is not without controversy. Environmental concerns, such as the disruption of aquatic ecosystems and the alteration of natural river flows, have sparked heated debates. Now, with usage in decline and aging infrastructure becoming a pressing issue, these concerns are more relevant than ever.
Most U.S. dams, built in the late 19th and 20th centuries, were designed to support growing populations in water-scarce regions and provide irrigation for agriculture, whilst three percent of dams in the U.S. serve as hydroelectric facilities.
Washington state's Grand Coulee on the Columbia River is the largest dam by hydropower nameplate capacity in the U.S.. Its capacity is more than double that of the next biggest dam and over five times the capacity of the Hoover Dam, which holds the greatest lake volume. Of the ten largest hydroelectric facilities, five are located in Washington, making it the leading hydropower producing state in the country.
While hydropower offers significant benefits, further development must carefully weigh these advantages against the growing costs and implications of maintaining and upgrading an aging infrastructure.
Most U.S. dams, built in the late 19th and 20th centuries, were designed to support growing populations in water-scarce regions and provide irrigation for agriculture, whilst three percent of dams in the U.S. serve as hydroelectric facilities.
Hydropower usage in the U.S.
Hydropower is one of the earliest sources of energy generation known to humankind. The oldest functional U.S. hydropower plant, Whiting in Wisconsin, dates back to 1891. However, as the average age of dams increases every year, so does the need for maintaining their safe operation.Washington state's Grand Coulee on the Columbia River is the largest dam by hydropower nameplate capacity in the U.S.. Its capacity is more than double that of the next biggest dam and over five times the capacity of the Hoover Dam, which holds the greatest lake volume. Of the ten largest hydroelectric facilities, five are located in Washington, making it the leading hydropower producing state in the country.
Hydropower industry employment
U.S. hydropower consumption has experienced a gradual decline over the past decade. After reaching a peak of 1.09 quadrillion British thermal units in 2011, consumption has steadily decreased, falling to 818 trillion British thermal units by 2023. However, despite this decline in consumption, employment in the U.S. hydropower industry has seen a notable rise over the past five years. In 2022, the hydroelectric power generation sector employed 7,930 people, up from 6,800 in the previous year.While hydropower offers significant benefits, further development must carefully weigh these advantages against the growing costs and implications of maintaining and upgrading an aging infrastructure.
