Hydro Green Energy, LLC (HGE) is a privately-held renewable energy development company with proprietary hydropower technology. The company holds U.S. Patents 6,955,049 and 7,837,411, five foreign patents and has dozens of pending U.S. and foreign patents. Hydro Green Energy focuses on developing new hydropower generation at existing non-powered dams.
Due to Hydro Green Energy’s ability to license and manufacture in parallel, projects could be brought on-line in approximately 18 months. And, while not needed to ensure profitability, its low-impact hydropower projects are eligible for a variety of state and federal renewable energy incentives, increasing their attractiveness.
Hydro Green Energy is presently developing 28 hydropower projects in 14 states. The company’s project pipeline will result in the development of nearly 300 MW of clean, renewable energy. To better understand hydropower in the context of the nation’s energy portfolio, below you will find a comparison of power technologies that are utilized in the United States today.
| |
Hydro Green Energy |
Fossil Fuel |
Onshore Wind |
Offshore Wind |
Solar |
| Energy Density |
High. Approx. 850 x more dense than wind |
Very High |
Low |
Moderate |
Low |
| Predictability (in terms of known power production) |
High |
High (coal and gas), Dispatchable (natural gas) |
Low, except in some sites |
Moderate |
Varying |
| Capacity Factor |
55% - 90% |
50% - 90% |
25% - 35% |
25% - 40% |
10% - 30% |
| Emissions |
None |
Carbon, NOx, SO2, Mercury |
None |
None |
None |
| Visual Impact |
Minimal |
Very High |
Moderate |
Low to Moderate |
From Unobtrustive to High |
| Potential Sites |
Very high – U.S. can double hydropower growth without building a new dam |
Extensive but permitting process can be lengthy and social component to development is becoming increasingly difficult |
High in some areas, but not practical; low to moderate in other areas |
Limited in US, Moderate in Europe |
Limited for High Energy Density, Extensive for low to Moderate Density |
| Cost Per Kilowatt Hour - Utility Power |
3 - 7¢ |
4-7¢ |
5 -8¢ |
8 - 12¢ |
12 - 25¢ |
|
