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General Hydropower Information

See the following links to learn more about hydropower systems.

Introductory Information

• How hydropower works

• Types of hydropower plants — Explains the difference between impoundment, diversion (run of river), and pumped-storage hydro plants.

• Types of hydropower turbines

• Advantages and disadvantages of hydropower

• Plant costs and production expenses — Compares construction costs and operating expenses for hydroelectric power plants with other generating technologies.

In-Depth Information

• DOE's Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program

Vendors

• Hydropower system suppliers — Provided by Home Power magazine. Type "hydro" in the "Description" field, then click "Search."

Legal Issues

Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.

• Permits and other legal requirements — Even though Indian tribes are not always subject to state regulations, they must comply with federal requirements.

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) publications on hydropower regulations:

  • Citizen's guide to hydropower licensing (PDF 13 KB)

  • Hydroelectric Project Licensing Handbook (PDF 686 KB)

  • Hydroelectric Project Handbook for Filings Other Than Licenses and Exemptions (PDF 100 KB)

  • Report on Hydroelectric Licensing Policies, Procedures, and Regulations: Comprehensive Review and Recommendations... (PDF 593 KB)