About FWEE

Mission

The Foundation is committed to providing balanced information regarding the use of water as a renewable energy resource in the Northwest.


Background

The role of hydropower in meeting the Northwest’s environmental and social equity goals is more important than ever. The societal benefits of hydropower as a low-cost, affordable source of electricity continue. Residents of the Northwest also take great pride that hydropower is a renewable and clean energy source replenished naturally by the water cycle that does not contribute to air pollution.

Today’s generation must also address the challenge of climate change and reducing carbon emissions. For this reason, states and utilities across the Northwest are committing to carbon-free electricity. The foundation for accomplishing this goal rests on hydropower. Already, this carbon-free source of power provides over half the Northwest’s capacity to generate electricity.

As wind, solar and other carbon-free resources are added to the power grid, hydropower plays another critical role. Because the wind doesn’t always blow and the sun doesn’t always shine, the ability of many hydropower projects to store and release water when it’s most needed makes the supply of electricity across the region far more reliable.

FWEE’s web site, materials, training, and other outreach materials provide teachers, students, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders in-depth, balanced knowledge about the role hydropower plays in our quickly evolving power generation future. Our outreach includes how hydropower is generated, it’s unique role in meeting our region’s power needs, how it compliments and works with other resources, new innovations and technologies, and environmental protection and more!

Come explore with us. It’s an exciting time, rich with possibility and collaboration. Together, we can make informed choices that embrace a clean energy future.