Habitat Conservation Division - Hydropower Program
Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Project Review
Click here for a larger version of the map of proposed and existing hydropower and hydrokinetic projects in Alaska.
Alaska is in a unique position relative to most other regions in having robust and viable fish stocks and diverse populations of marine mammals, combined with the aggressive pursuit of new hydropower development throughout the state. NMFS reviews proposed and existing hydropower and hydrokinetic projects in cooperation with applicants and operators, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), other federal agencies, the State of Alaska, tribes, and communities. NMFS reviews proposed projects throughout the licensing phase and develops recommended license terms and conditions necessary to protect, mitigate damage to, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat affected by hydropower project construction and operation. NMFS also reviews existing hydropower projects, usually on an annual basis, to determine if project operations are meeting goals for protection of NMFS trust species or if adaptive management is necessary.
Section 10(j) of the Federal Power Act (FPA) authorizes NMFS to recommend license terms and conditions necessary to protect, mitigate damage to, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat affected by hydropower projects. Section 18 of the FPA provides NMFS authority to issue mandatory fishway prescriptions. In addition, NMFS has responsibilities related to FERC proceedings derived from the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Projects in Alaska
Traditional Hydropower
Hydrokinetic
- Tidal, In-river and Wave
- 77 FR 12827, March 2, 2012. Notice of Alaska Energy Authority's intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement and conduct scoping meetings March 26-29, 2012, on the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project. Comments can be submitted through the eComment system at http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/ecomment.asp.
Additional Information
Studies
- Impacts of Climate Change and Variability on Hydropower in Southeast Alaska: Planning for a Robust Energy Future, November 2010
Agencies
- Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Hydropower Program Information
- Department of Energy Wind and Water Power Program
Resources
- Alaska Energy Authority
- Alaska Energy Wiki
- River In-Stream Energy Conversion (RISEC) Characterization of Alaska Sites (large PDF)
- Hydropower Reform Coalition
- Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Alternative Energy and Alternate Use Guide
- Ecological Effects of Wave Energy Development in the Pacific Northwest
- EPRI Ocean Energy
- European Marine Energy Centre
- European Ocean Energy Association
- International Energy Agency – Ocean Energy Systems
- Marine Energy (New Zealand)
- Marine Institute (Ireland)
- Prioritized Research, Development, Development and Demonstration (RDD&D) Needs: Marine and Other Hydrokinetic Renewable Energy
- Wave and Tidal Energy News
- WAVEPLAM
- West Coast Governors' Agreement on Ocean Health
Contact Information
Eric Rothwell
PH: (907) 271-1937
Email: Eric.Rothwell@noaa.gov
Sue Walker
PH: (907) 586-7646
Email: Susan.Walker@noaa.gov
