November 4, 2009
Hydropower Upgrades to Yield Added Generation at
Average Costs Less Than 4 cents per kWh - Without New Dams
$30.6 million Recovery Act
investment by the Department of Energy highlights the additional
potential of hydro power
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu
today announced up to $30.6 million in Recovery Act funding for the
selection of seven hydropower projects that modernize hydropower
infrastructure by increasing efficiency and reducing environmental
impacts at existing facilities. The expanded hydro generation projects
have estimated incremental costs of less than 4 cents per kWh on
average.
The selections announced today will deploy innovative technologies such
as high-efficiency, fish-friendly turbines, improved water intakes, and
advanced control systems in order to increase power generation and
improve environmental stewardship. Under Secretary Kristina Johnson
made the announcement while visiting Voith Hydro Inc.’s manufacturing
plant in York, Pennsylvania.
“One of the best opportunities we have to increase our supply of
clean energy is by bringing our hydropower systems into the 21st
Century,” said Secretary Chu. “With this investment, we can create
jobs, help our environment and give more renewable power to our economy
without building a single new dam.”
DOE sought cost-shared projects that upgrade existing hydropower
facilities without requiring significant civil works modifications to
dams, allowing for them to be developed quickly to help create jobs and
stimulate the local economy. The solicitation sought two classes of
projects: those larger than 50 megawatts (MW) of installed capacity and
those of 50 MW or smaller.
The selected projects will increase generation by an estimated
187,000 MWh/year, or enough to meet the annual electric usage of more
than 12,000 homes. This incremental generation is virtually carbon
free, and it represents a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of over
110,000 tons per year compared to electricity from the average U.S.
grid. Additionally, upgrading existing hydro facilities in this way is a
very inexpensive way to provide renewable energy: the estimated cost of
the added generation is less than 4 cents per kWh on average, placing
incremental hydro among the most inexpensive sources of renewable
energy.
The following projects have been selected for negotiation of awards
for the amount listed:
Hydropower Upgrades for Projects Larger than 50 Megawatts (MW)
- Alabama Power Company – up to $6 million for a project
in Mitchell, AL - For a project that will increase
efficiency and upgrade four units at three hydroelectric plants on
the Coosa River by replacing 1940s to 1960s vintage turbines with
new high-efficiency stainless steel turbines and runners that
maximize each unit’s ability to utilize the limited available
water. Generation will increase by 36,087 MWh annually (7.3%
increase).
- Alcoa, Inc. – up to $13 million for a project in
Robbinsville, NC - To replace four 90-year-old Francis
Turbines with four new high-efficiency stainless steel turbines,
generators, and transformers, providing an additional 22 MW of
generating capacity at Alcoa’s Tapoco Cheoah plant. Annual
generation would increase by 95,000 MWh (23% increase), and the
project would reduce the likelihood of an oil spill into the river
with the replacement of water cooled transformers and removal of
lead and asbestos from all four generating units.
- City of Tacoma, Department of Public Utilities - up to
$4.67 million for a project in Potlatch, WA – To add two
1.8 MW Francis Turbines to the existing 81 MW Cushman No. 2 Dam,
adding 23,500 MWh of annual generation (14% increase) and 3.6 MW of
capacity. In addition, the project will incorporate an upstream
fish collection pool to enable reintroduction of native fish above
the dam for the first time since the 1920s.
Hydropower Upgrades for Projects Less Than or Equal to 50 MW:
- The City of Boulder, CO – up to $1.18 million
for a project in Boulder, CO – To upgrade the 100-year-old Boulder
Canyon Hydroelectric Project by replacing two older turbines with a
single, high-efficiency unit. The new turbine would operate at a
wider range of flows and higher efficiency ranges, resulting in an
increase in annual generation of 11,000 MWh (30% increase).
Upgrades to wiring and removal of asbestos would reduce
environmental hazards and improve safety.
- Energy Northwest - up to $800,000 for a project in
Packwood, WA – To design, manufacture, and install a new
state-of-the-art Pelton Wheel Turbine at the Packwood Lake
Hydroelectric facility. The new turbine will have greater
efficiency at low power operations, increasing annual generation by
5,868 MWh (6% increase), and will benefit the local fish population
and create more sustainable habitat conditions downstream.
- Incorporated County of Los Alamos, NM - up to $4.56
million for a project in Los Alamos, NM – To add a low
flow turbine/generator to the 13.8 MW hydroelectric plant in Abiquiu,
New Mexico, increasing the total plant capacity by 3 MW and allowing
the dam to operate when releases are below or above the capacity of
the two existing turbines. The upgrade will increase annual
generation by 6,462 MWh (22% increase). The project’s environmental
benefits include higher dissolved oxygen content in downstream water
and increased minimum flows.
- North Little Rock Electric Department - up to $450,000
for a project in Little Rock, AR – To install an automated
intake maintenance device at its 39 MW hydroelectric facility on the
Arkansas River to clear debris currently obstructing the intake and
allow the facility to operate consistently at near peak efficiency
and significantly reduce the high cost of dredging. Air pollution
would be reduced in a non-attainment air basin as the debris has
been previously burned for removal.
Following negotiation of final funding amounts, projects are expected
to begin in 2010.
Media contact(s):
(202) 586-4940
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