Hydro  -  August 25, 2020

Federal agencies collaborate on hydropower

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation signed Aug. 24 a memorandum of understanding in regard to a collaboration on the advancement of hydropower generation in America.

In celebration of National Hydropower Day, the agencies agreed to create an action plan that will focus on adapting hydropower to the changing energy landscape and develop data-driven projects in the areas of asset management, improving the value of hydropower, workforce training, water supply reliability and environmental outcomes. The group met at the Hoover Dam Visitor Center in Nevada for the event.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydropower Program is the largest generator of hydropower in the nation, with 75 power-generating dams. Additionally, their hydropower assets generate 70 billion kWh per year of renewable electricity.

The agreement was signed by Ryan A. Fisher, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works); Brenda Burman, Commissioner for the Bureau of Reclamation; and Daniel R. Simmons, Assistant Secretary of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Department of Energy.

"This agreement will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through its Civil Works mission to continue its partnership with federal and industry partners as we work together to enhance and manage our nation's hydropower program," Fisher said in a statement.

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