Expansion of PPL Hydroelectric Plant Takes Major Step Forward (PA)

[jpak]

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NETH05817012008-1.htm

HOLTWOOD, Pa., Jan. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A proposal to more than double the amount of clean, renewable electricity produced at PPL's Holtwood hydroelectric plant took a major step forward when the company asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for permission to expand the Lancaster County, Pa., plant.

The expansion would also include significant improvements to fish passage operations at the Holtwood dam. PPL has been working with state and federal agencies on ways to improve the efficiency of fish lifts that help American shad and other species get over the dam during their annual migration.

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After federal, state and local approvals are received, PPL plans to begin construction in 2009 with generation operations scheduled to start in 2012.

The expansion would add 125 megawatts of electricity generating capacity to the plant -- enough to power 100,000 homes. This clean, renewable energy would be a significant addition to the state's renewable generation capacity, and would represent a significant increase in PPL's commitment to renewable energy development.

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[Massacure]

1. Is the reservoir filled fast enough to replenish the extra water that is going to be used?

They aren't expanding the reservoir either are they?

[jpak]

2. No - they are upgrading the turbines

The dam and power house were built in 1910 - modern turbines generate more power with the same amount of water flow.

The fishway improvements are really the big news - this particular dam is a big obstacle for migratory shad. The improvements will allow many many more fish to ascend the river and reclaim their ancient spawning grounds...a win-win situation...