Achieve Your Regulatory, Reliability and Safety Goals

Solutions for planning, licensing, studies, design and compliance.

With unparalleled technical experience and policy development insight, TRC delivers successful hydropower strategies that save you time and money.

Whether you are an owner, operator or developer of conventional, pumped storage or hydrokinetic water projects, you can rely on our expertise, innovation and relationships to give you an advantage. From managing complex compliance issues to mitigating environmental risks, overcoming engineering challenges and streamlining schedules, we deliver solutions for every phase of a project.

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Expert Guidance for Hydropower Projects

Through leadership roles in local and regional hydro organizations, as well as the National Hydropower Association, we have developed strong working relationships with federal regulators. Our continued involvement allows our experts to engage with industry leaders, stay ahead of new approaches and technologies and be at the forefront of regulatory changes that impact our clients.

Beyond monitoring regulatory changes, we have specialized environmental management and hydropower engineering knowledge. We employ industry-standard software and proprietary solutions to support projects. Our assistance enables utilities to minimize risk, enhance hydropower project management and achieve cost efficiency.

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Partner With TRC’s Tested Practitioners

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Navigate the Full Hydropower Project Lifecycle With TRC

We work with utilities throughout their hydropower journeys, from the initial engineering designs to ongoing maintenance and compliance.

Our solutions include:

Licensing and Regulatory Compliance
Environmental Management
Hydropower Engineering
Construction Management
Safety Programs

Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

For over 25 years, our expertise has been instrumental in the successful licensing of hydropower projects nationwide, ranging from 5 megawatts (MW) to 2,400 MW. We develop Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing strategies, conduct field studies, plan and conduct settlement negotiations and prepare and file License Applications and appropriate environmental documents.

We have experience with traditional, alternative, “modified” and Integrated Licensing Process approaches, helping us scope project issues and focus studies to achieve your desired outcomes. Our experts also provide comprehensive NERC compliance support, including technical evaluations and training for standards requirements tracking, audit preparation and compliance program improvements.

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Environmental Management

Avoiding impacts on biological and natural resources can reduce mitigation costs, permitting delays and compliance risks. To develop the best possible resource protection plan, our environmental scientists apply sound biological resource implementation strategies, including:

  • Conducting reconnaissance analysis
  • Managing biological study teams
  • Collecting field data
  • Developing ecological risk assessments
  • Organizing, interpreting and preparing data for license/permit applications and construction plans

We deliver solutions for habitat assessments and investigations:

  • Rare, threatened and endangered species
  • Wetlands delineation and mitigation
  • Fisheries and aquatics assessments
  • Recreational facility evaluation and engineering
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Hydropower Engineering

TRC’s electrical, civil and geotechnical engineers take a proactive approach to hydropower planning, design and implementation, helping you generate power efficiently and safely. Our tested practitioners provide transmission, substation and grid integration solutions. We also leverage innovative techniques to analyze the physical and structural properties of soil and rock so you can successfully build or expand on any site.

We design, implement and commission automation equipment into new hydroelectric plants and retrofit existing sites. We also provide extensive analytical, evaluation, design and consulting solutions for dams, roads and bridges, canals and pump stations, stormwater management, erosion control, water quality and data collection.

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Construction Management

Whether through full construction management solutions or on call support, TRC delivers timely, cost-effective results that help you successfully manage your water resources and protect, restore or enhance the environment. Our expertise includes contract administration, inspection and engineering for planned and unforeseen emergency response projects.

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Safety Programs

At TRC, safety is our top priority for those working on a project site and for the ongoing operation and performance of the facilities. Our areas of expertise include:

  • FERC Emergency Action Plan program development and execution
  • FERC EAP Time Sensitive Dam Program development and execution
  • Public safety program development and implementation
  • Community education and outreach about the benefits and risks of dams and hydro project features
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Work With Our Hydropower Practitioners Today

Our hydropower experts bring knowledge for every stage of projects, from conception to ongoing monitoring. TRC’s solutions help you navigate regulatory hurdles, develop sound infrastructure and manage the environmental impacts of new projects. Gain tailored guidance and peace of mind by reaching out online.

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Sharing Our Perspectives

Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.

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Insights

The Economics of Transitioning to Renewables

May 15, 2021

One of the biggest obstacles involved with the transition to renewable energy is speculation about its economic impact. Some worry that switching to renewables will cause instability in the economy, leading to job losses. Many communities across the United States rely on the economic impact of producing, manufacturing or otherwise taking part in the use of hydrocarbons.

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Insights

Transitioning Away From Hydrocarbons

May 15, 2021

The transition from oil and gas to renewables has involved complicated technological research. Sustainable energy production has become a priority around the world. Although the transition has been slow, technological advancements are promising. When approaching an energy transition, leaders should consider all different possible avenues and their potential impacts. Many alternative energy sources are available, each with its own pros and cons.

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Insights

Transitioning from Hydrocarbons to Renewable Energy

May 15, 2021

This guide details the questions to ask and factors to consider when transitioning from hydrocarbons to renewable energy sources.

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Videos

TRC Talks – Integrated Solutions for Renewable Energy

April 7, 2021

Close coordination when planning the electrical and civil design components of a renewable energy project is critical to development success. Working with a multi-disciplinary team can streamline approval processes and ensure optimum constructability.

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Insights

The View on Climate Change has Changed in Washington

March 1, 2021

The Biden Administration signals both a renewed and accelerated focus on climate change.

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Insights

Green Insider Podcast featuring TRC’s Sr. Vice President of Renewables, Matt Beaton

January 25, 2021

Our experts discuss the challenges of working on the opportunities of offshore wind and hydroelectric power, and strategies to advance broad clean energy reform.

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Insights

Seeking a new FERC license for your hydroelectric project? Here are the 2 key questions to ask.

March 22, 2017

Across the U.S., Department of Energy data show that some 2,200 hydroelectric projects produce more than 6 percent of all the electricity we consume, which amounts to more than one-third of all power generated in 2015 from renewable sources. Operations of many existing hydroelectric projects are governed by 30- to 50-year licenses issued by the…