Alabama Power started with hydropower over 100 years ago, and there’s so much to celebrate when it comes to this clean, renewable energy. Hydropower harnesses the force of moving water to generate electricity, and it has a long and rich history, proving to be unfailingly reliable for decades.
Did you know that Alabama has more fresh water flowing through it than any other state in the continental U.S.? Alabama Power’s Lay Dam was built in 1914 and paved the way for a total of 14 dams, or hydroelectric plants, to be built on three river systems around the state, altogether generating 7% of Alabama Power’s total electricity today.
There are so many reasons we keep turning back to hydropower, despite new and changing technologies and opportunities. First of all, hydropower can generate electricity within seconds. When it comes to any kind of emergency or unexpected event, sometimes our grid requires a surge of energy from one source to balance a deficit created by another. Hydropower’s quick-start capability helps ensure grid resiliency and flexibility.
Hydropower is also a relatively low-cost energy and plays a vital role in bolstering the nation’s clean energy infrastructure. Not to mention, it is a major job creator in the U.S., employing approximately 60,000 people.
As we’re still in the hot summer months, enjoying time outdoors and out on the water, let’s not forget the beautiful lakes we enjoy in Alabama. As part of our dedication to hydropower and the state, we maintain, protect and provide more than 3,500 miles of shoreline for the use and enjoyment of the public. We’ve also developed 68 recreation sites and approximately 21 miles of hiking and walking trails along our shores.
This Hydropower Day, August 24, let’s celebrate everything Alabama’s powerful waters have to offer.
And if you want to help us protect this natural resource, join us for one of our Renew our River cleanup events. You can view the schedule here.
