NATURAL

1 We use the natural flow of water as fuel

New England Hydropower uses the natural flow of water as fuel
New England has nearly 50 inches of precipitation each year, other regions have equivalent amounts of precipitation as well.
We don’t take water out of the waterways. Our systems are "run-of-river" meaning the same volume of water that passes into the Turbine comes out at the bottom. Canal systems sustain a constant volume and controllable flow from the canal. They operate at a very high capacity factor due to the constantly full canals.
We know which waterways work for us and which will not. Flows are generally predictable. The records for waterways and gauges of flow are reliable and accurate. We study sites and engineer our systems to optimize each site so that we can predict the value of the energy.‍

HISTORICAL

2 Dams and canals were sited very intelligently by early builders

There are mills and dams together, and there are dams alone, and there are canals—thousands in the region, tens of thousands across the United States
Legacy dams were sited very intelligently. The builders could read rivers remarkably well. For us, that is a gift. They underestimated the effects of dams on wildlife and fish, but they created a nation using their knowledge.
Many dams and canals remain valuable assets, protecting towns, providing water and wetlands. Now that the need for renewable power is critical, they can again become a source for clean energy. NEHC understands that there is a balance between developing power sources and improving and rebuilding habitats for fish and wildlife. Each site has unique characteristics, hazards, risks and potential.
Working with communities and regulators, we find that balance. We even understand that some dams should be breached for the stability of the water system. We are looking to find the best answers and alternatives for the environment, fisheries and the local culture and history.

New England Hydropower Company, LLC (NEHC) products