New England Hydropower Company LLC

Background

New England Hydropower Company LLC (NEHC), established in 2012, specializes in developing, owning, operating, and managing small-scale hydropower projects across New England and the United States. The company's mission is to revitalize legacy dams and canals to generate clean, renewable energy while preserving historical and environmental integrity. NEHC focuses on low-impact hydroelectric generation, emphasizing environmental stewardship and community collaboration.

Key Strategic Focus

NEHC's strategic objectives include:

Site Identification and Permitting: Evaluating and securing permits for viable small-scale hydropower sites.

Technology Deployment: Implementing environmentally friendly turbine technologies tailored to specific site requirements.

Community Engagement: Collaborating with local communities, private owners, and environmental groups to ensure project success.

Environmental Protection: Ensuring fish migration and habitats remain undisturbed or improved through project development.

Financials and Funding

In March 2023, NEHC secured an equity investment from Yorktown Partners, a private equity firm specializing in the energy sector. This funding aims to accelerate the development of NEHC's projects and de-risk a potential portfolio of approximately 1,000 sites across the United States suitable for small-scale hydropower development.

Pipeline Development

NEHC has developed and sold two projects since its inception, utilizing innovative technologies to establish infrastructure in underserved markets. The company is actively developing a portfolio of approximately 1,000 sites across the United States that are candidates for small-scale hydropower development.

Technological Platform and Innovation

NEHC employs two primary turbine technologies:

Archimedes Screw Turbines (AST): Known for their fish-friendly design and suitability for low-head sites.

StreamDiver Turbines: Compact turbines designed for minimal environmental impact and high efficiency.

These technologies are selected based on site-specific requirements to optimize energy generation while ensuring environmental compatibility.

Leadership Team

Michael C. Kerr: Founder and Chief Executive Officer. Michael has guided NEHC through its founding, leveraging his experience with venture-backed technology companies in the cleantech, software, and industrial product markets. He has worked in Europe, the U.S., and Latin America for United Technologies Corporation, Wang Global, and Getronics. Michael holds a B.A. in Business from Thames Valley University (London) and is a Chartered Management Accountant (CGMA).

H. Christian Conover: Chief Marketing Officer. Chris oversees communications, public affairs, and brand for the company. He has served in energy, aerospace, information systems, medical device, and insurance industries in senior positions at the New York Power Authority, United Technologies Corporation, LEXIS/NEXIS, Philips Medical Systems, and Travelers. He has degrees from the University of Denver and University College, Dublin, Ireland.

Roger Hutton: Chief Hydro Designer and Sales Engineer. Roger, a graduate Mechanical Engineer, oversees the development of engineering, design, and implementation programs. He co-founded Potential Energy Projects, a UK pioneer in the use of Archimedes Screw Turbines for small-scale hydropower.

Carol Wasserman: Principal, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs. Carol leads primary environmental science and regulatory planning, permitting, and compliance at NEHC. She was formerly senior counsel and special projects coordinator for the U.S. EPA, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. She holds an M.P.A. from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, an M.S. from Northeastern, a J.D. from New England Law, and a B.S. from SUNY Stony Brook.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The small-scale hydropower market in the United States is experiencing growth due to increasing demand for renewable energy and the availability of existing, non-powered dams suitable for development. Advancements in turbine technology and favorable regulatory environments further support this expansion.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the small-scale hydropower sector include:

Rye Development: Specializes in developing new hydropower projects and retrofitting existing non-powered dams.

Gravity Renewables: Focuses on acquiring and operating small hydroelectric projects, emphasizing community partnerships.

Natel Energy: Develops innovative turbine technologies designed to enhance environmental compatibility and efficiency.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

In March 2023, NEHC announced a collaboration with French Development Enterprises (FDE Hydro) to establish innovative modular precast concrete methods for developing modern hydropower infrastructure. This partnership aims to advance the hydropower industry and support the new energy grid for the 21st century.

Operational Insights

NEHC's approach to revitalizing legacy dams and canals provides a distinct competitive advantage by leveraging existing infrastructure to generate renewable energy. The company's commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement further differentiates it in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

NEHC is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for renewable energy by expanding its portfolio of small-scale hydropower projects. The company's focus on innovative technologies and strategic partnerships supports its goal of contributing significantly to the renewable energy landscape.