A joint effort between state and federal leaders could lead to many more Denver tech jobs focused on creating more hydropower.
The State of Colorado recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission that will make it easier to develop small hydropower projects throughout the state.
The MOU will streamline the permitting process, reduce the time and amount of money required to develop a project, and create the possibility to get more clean energy from small hydropower sites while still maintaining high levels of environmental protection.
"This agreement moves our New Energy Economy another important step forward," Gov. Bill Ritter said. "Colorado has enormous potential to produce more clean energy from small-scale hydroelectric power. These projects can create local jobs, diversify our energy supplies, reduce emissions and further bolster our energy security."There are several hundred small hydropower sites throughout Colorado that have a combined generating capacity of more than 1,400 megawatts. One megawatt can produce enough power to support the electricity needs of 500 to 750 homes.
However, the lengthy permit process that currently exists has prevented many projects throughout the state from getting underway, with only 24 small hydropower projects receiving a permit during the past 30 years.
The Governor's Energy Office is now working closely with the FERC to simplify that process. The GEO also has contracted with the Renewable Energy Development Team to help the state navigate the FERC permit process for the best projects in the state.
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