The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the largest owner-operator of hydroelectric power plants in the United States, managing 75 power-producing dams housing 356 individual generating units. This accounts for approximately 25% of the nation’s total hydropower output, generating enough clean, renewable energy to power about ten million homes. In addition, USACE also supports and engages with industry on development of hydropower at existing USACE dams. USACE’s hydropower program provides an affordable and reliable power source for the nation and the revenue generated is reinvested into the projects for operation, maintenance, and modernization.
The Hydroelectric Design Center (HDC), located in Portland, Oregon, is the USACE national center of expertise for hydropower planning and design. The HDC provides specialized technical expertise, innovation, and partnerships to deliver high-quality products and services for USACE’s hydroelectric power facilities and large pumping plants. It is a Mandatory Center of Expertise (MCX) for hydroelectric power economic evaluation, engineering, and design, and a Technical Center of Expertise (TCX) for pumping plant engineering and design.
