HYDROVISION highlights the importance of hydropower in Colorado
Dam Design and Construction

HYDROVISION highlights the importance of hydropower in Colorado

The U.S. State of Colorado is a beautiful location to visit or live, but it’s also got a rich connection to the hydroelectric power industry. In fact, more than 200 rivers flow through the state, and the first AC hydroelectric generating plant in the world, Ames, was built more than 100 years ago near Telluride, Colo.

There are many power producers in the state, with nearly 90 hydro plants ranging from 300 MW to less than 100 kW. These include the Bureau of Reclamation, City of Boulder, Colorado Springs Utilities, Denver Water, Northern Water and Xcel Energy.

Colorado is even home to three pumped storage hydropower plants. In April 2021, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed HB21-1052, Define Hydroelectricity as Renewable Energy, concerning the inclusion of some pumped hydroelectric energy generation in the definition of “eligible energy resources” for purposes of meeting Colorado’s renewable energy standard (RES).

Recently, the state has been a focus of news and activity with regard to drought and hydropower, particularly at Glen Canyon Dam and its associated 1,320 MW hydro powerhouse. Reclamation is working on drought mitigation efforts in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming to minimize adverse effects on resources and infrastructure in the Upper Colorado River Basin.

In addition to power producers, several groups related to hydropower and dams are based in Colorado, such as the Hydropower Foundation, National Renewable Energy Laboratory and U.S. Society on Dams. Important universities in the state are Colorado State University and the Colorado School of Mines.

Another great perk of Denver as a location for HYDROVISION International is its status as a large hub airport. It is easy to access from most locations in the U.S. and Canada and even offers direct flights to and from many international destinations.

Make plans to join us in Denver July 16-18, 2024, for what promises to be an unparalleled event, with dozens of conference sessions, our established Waterpower Hydro Basics course, multiple networking opportunities and an exhibit hall filled with hundreds of product and service providers to meet any industry need.

In addition, earlier this month we announced that Denver Water will be a host utility for HYDROVISION International 2024. The utility is in the midst of a major project to raise the height of its Gross Dam, which will nearly triple the reservoir’s water storage capacity and add 500 kW of generating capacity.

Mark your calendars, and don’t forget to submit an abstract or submit your name as a potential speaker, to help us educate the global hydropower industry next July.