The Promise of Hydroelectric Power
People have harnessed water as a source of energy for thousands of years. First utilized by the Greeks and Egyptians of the ancient world, hydroelectricity is now one of the most abundant forms of renewable energy, making up one sixth of the world’s electric capacity.
BHE Renewables currently owns 10 megawatts of hydroelectric generation at the Wailuku hydroelectric generation project in Hawaii and previously operated the 150-megawatt Casecnan hydroelectric generation project in Nueva Viscaya and Nueva Ecija provinces in northern Luzon, Philippines.
Hawai'i Island
How Does Hydropower Work?
Hydroelectric facilities utilize the flow of water as a source of energy. Diversion structures and dams divert the flow of water to harness its kinetic energy. That kinetic energy powers generators and turbines that feed energy to the electrical grid. Transported via transmission and distribution lines, the power is then delivered to homes and businesses.
The Casecnan Weir Ownership Transfer
In December 2021, BHE Renewables transferred ownership of the Casecnan hydroelectric generation project to the Philippine government as part of a 20-year build-operate-transfer agreement. The project supplies 150 megawatts of hydroelectric capacity to the Luzon electrical grid and provides water for agricultural use throughout the Luzon Valley. BHE Renewables was involved in a variety of cultural, educational and environmental activities in the Luzon area. Following the transfer of ownership, BHE Renewables offered Casecnan employees positions in the company’s geothermal power plants in Imperial Valley, California. Learn about their experience coming to the U.S. to realize the American Dream.
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