Hydroelectric Power

As the power industry shifts away from fossil fuels and increasingly seeks sustainable and reliable energy sources, hydroelectricity, or hydropower, is a beacon for clean, renewable energy production. Gannett Fleming is at the forefront of hydropower design and infrastructure optimization, harnessing flowing water to deliver efficient, renewable power generation.

We understand hydroelectricity’s critical role in meeting today’s power demand and shaping a sustainable future. By offering a full spectrum of tailored hydroelectric services — from design and development to maintenance and modernization — we empower our clients to maximize their energy output while adhering to stringent regulatory, environmental, and safety standards.

Explore how our expertise can elevate the potential of your hydroelectric projects, delivering both robustness and resilience in the face of our world’s evolving energy needs.

Hydroelectric Services

  • At Gannett Fleming, we recognize that dam safety is paramount for hydroelectric dams, forming the backbone of sustainable and reliable power generation. We are leaders in dam safety programs with regulatory compliance and engineering solutions that have earned us industry rankings among the top design firms in the U.S.

    We bring extensive experience in water management infrastructure, specializing in advanced geotechnical engineering, hydrology and hydraulics, seismic analysis, and risk assessment. Our comprehensive and award-winning dam safety expertise includes inspecting, designing, maintaining, and constructing dams along with their appurtenant structures, powerhouses, and roadways.

  • Regardless of how facilities produce electricity, generating power safely and reliably requires specialized expertise. Our electrical and mechanical engineering services enhance the operational excellence of hydroelectric facilities with a team that brings deep technical acumen in a range of critical areas, from turbine design and generator upgrades to the integration of state-of-the-art electrical control systems. We specialize in engineering turbines and optimizing their performance and efficiency, and our generator services extend from routine maintenance to full-scale refurbishment, extending lifespan and maximizing output.

  • We understand that a hydroelectric power plant’s efficiency and dependability extend beyond the powerhouse. Our balance of plant services optimize the critical supporting infrastructure for your facility’s overall performance. With proven experience in enhancing ancillary systems, such as water management, control systems, and electrical infrastructure, we ensure that every component functions seamlessly and efficiently. Our holistic approach addresses everything from initial assessments and design to construction management and ongoing maintenance, ensuring your hydroelectric plant operates at peak efficiency, bolstering sustainability and profitability.

  • Operation and maintenance (O&M) are the lifeblood of power generation. Without a diligent O&M program, even the best-designed power plants will falter. The challenge lies not in recognizing the need for maintenance but in designing, implementing, and continuously improving the maintenance programs that underpin reliable operation. Gannett Fleming’s strategy encompasses routine inspections, preventative measures, and predictive maintenance. Leveraging advanced diagnostic tools and data analytics, we identify potential issues and develop mitigation plans, resulting in customized maintenance schedules that align with operational demands, improve facility reliability, and maximize return on investment.

  • We offer specialized expertise in hydroelectric transmission, switchyards, and substations. Our transmission and distribution services include foundation and tower design, geotechnical analysis, cable design, and feasibility studies, and our switchyard and substation services include high-voltage circuit breakers, potential and current transformers, capacitive couples, lightning protection, and grounding studies.

    We have extensive experience designing and upgrading transmission lines and associated infrastructure to handle increasing power demands and interconnection complexities. Our switchyard and substation designs meet facility requirements and incorporate advanced technologies for improved reliability and performance. Our solutions optimize connectivity, minimize energy losses, and ensure compliance with the latest safety and regulatory standards.

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Regulatory Compliance

  • From leading one of the first Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) risk projects to ensuring compliance with FERC Part 12D Independent Consultant Comprehensive Assessments and Periodic Inspections, we protect communities. Our experts proactively identify dam safety concerns, working with owners to safeguard lives, property, and the environment.

    We follow FERC’s Risk-Informed Decision Making guidelines, conducting Level 1 Screening and Level 2 Periodic, Level 3 Semi-Quantitative, and Level 4 Quantitative Risk Analyses. We examine loading, dam fragility, and the consequences of failure. Understanding the potential issues, we work with clients to design and implement solutions that reduce and mitigate these risks.

  • FERC licensing is critical to achieving environmental, safety, and operational compliance. Navigating the intricacies of the FERC licensing process while balancing operational flexibility and stakeholder interests requires experience, creativity, and professional insight. We help our clients achieve their goals and keep their projects operational and profitable while complying with new requirements.

  • North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) 693 and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) requirements increase system reliability, accounting for performance, cybersecurity, and emergency preparedness. Our electrical utility and safety professionals partner with clients to comply with standards and implement holistic cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure.

  • Comprehensive compliance programs must also address environmental considerations. We prioritize and support stewardship by providing watershed management, stream restoration, NEPA compliance, and environmental impact assessments. We routinely develop strategies for water supply and quality, sedimentation, wildlife habitats, fish passage, and more, including dam decommissioning.

Support Solutions

Public safety and security are essential at hydroelectric facilities. Recognizing the unique safety requirements of these facilities, our tailored physical security solutions range from high-risk dams to those classified as low hazard. Our experts apply risk management principles at the individual asset level to optimize trade-offs between cost, performance, and risk, helping clients meet their safety and security goals and regulatory mandates, including FERC Security and NERC CIP guidelines.

We provide ratemaking and valuation services to most major electric utilities across North America. We are recognized as leading experts in depreciation studies who estimate assets’ expected useful lives and cost recovery to determine revenue requirements and customer rates. Our decommissioning services consider useful life and end-of-life cost determination, factoring in facility dismantling and site restoration.

Public Safety and Security

Public safety and security are essential at hydroelectric facilities. Recognizing the unique safety requirements of these facilities, our tailored physical security solutions range from high-risk dams to those classified as low hazard. Our experts apply risk management principles at the individual asset level to optimize trade-offs between cost, performance, and risk, helping clients meet their safety and security goals and regulatory mandates, including FERC Security and NERC CIP guidelines.

Ratemaking and Valuation

We provide ratemaking and valuation services to most major electric utilities across North America. We are recognized as leading experts in depreciation studies who estimate assets’ expected useful lives and cost recovery to determine revenue requirements and customer rates. Our decommissioning services consider useful life and end-of-life cost determination, factoring in facility dismantling and site restoration.

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