Start of construction for new hydropower plant in Iowa

Iowa-USA- There are nearly about 80,000 non-powered dams in the US. In a few years, one of them will produce electricity for about 18,000 homes. Voith Hydro received the contract to supply the dam with two vertical Kaplan type turbines with generators and automation systems. During construction of the hydroelectric plant the Red Rock Tailwater area will be closed.

Demand-oriented energy production

The power plant at the Red Rock Lake is being developed by a joint venture of The Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (WMMPA) and Missouri River Energy Services (MRES). With the expected completion date in 2018, the hydropower plant will have a capacity of 36.4 MW. It will be capable of generating up to 55 MW at certain times of the year when water is plentiful. In addition, the peak flow of water at Lake Red Rock typically occurs between April and July, which coincides with the highest demand for electricity. Red Rock will supply dispatchable generation, meaning the electricity can be turned off or on by its operators in order to meet electrical demand. The plant is expected to cost about $380 million but once built, the Red Rock Hydroelectric Project will be the second largest hydropower facility in Iowa.

The USA has big capacities

A study conducted by the National Hydropower Association is examining an extraordinary potential of hydropower in the United States, which is not used yet. These capacities could contribute a great deal to further expansion of renewable energies. In 2013, the renewable energies already had 13 percent of the total electricity generation. More than half of it was from hydroelectric power.

Source: IWR Online, 14 Aug 2014