AMP is actively developing multiple hydroelectric projects in the region, pursuing the largest deployment of clean, renewable run-of-the-river hydroelectric generation in the country.

Hydropower is the most prevalent form of renewable energy used to generate electricity today. Hydroelectric generation is far more dependable than other forms of renewable generation. And as a result, policymakers have included hydroelectric projects in state and federal renewable electricity portfolio standards legislation.

AMP developed and manages a 42 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric generation facility on behalf of 42 member communities participating in Ohio Municipal Electric Generation Agency Joint Venture 5. The Belleville Hydroelectric Facility is located on the Ohio River at the Belleville (W.Va.) Locks and Dam and went online in April 1999.

Eight AMP member communities operate locally-owned hydroelectric facilities. These include the cities of Bryan, Columbus and Hamilton in Ohio, Bedford, Danville and Martinsville in Virginia, Union City in Michigan and New Martinsville in West Virginia.

These facilities have a combined capacity of more than 132 MW.

Currently, AMP is developing five new hydroelectric projects that will add more than 350 MW of new, renewable generation to the region. These run-of-the-river hydroelectric facilities will be installed on existing dams on the Ohio River.

Currently, 79 communities from the states of Ohio, Michigan, Virginia, Kentucky and West Virginia are participating in the hydroelectric projects. Other communities may have the opportunity to participate as additional capacity is added.

A contract exceeding $300 million has been signed with York, Penn-based Voith Hydro to manufacture turbines and generators for the first four of these projects, at the Smithland, Cannelton, Meldahl and Willow Island Locks and Dams.

The Meldahl project will be built in partnership with the AMP member community of Hamilton, Ohio.

Additionally, AMP and its member community of Wadsworth, Ohio are pursuing the development license for a project at the Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam on the Ohio River.

The Phase 1 hydroelectric projects include the run-of-the-river generating facilities currently under construction at the Cannelton, Smithland and Willow Island dams on the Ohio River. 79 AMP member communities are participating in the projects.
Combined Hydro Quarterly Report
Phase 1 Project Information Sheet

The Meldahl/Greenup projects include the run-of-the-river hydroelectric generating facility currently under construction at the Captain Anthony Meldahl Dam on the Ohio River and the existing generating facility at the Greenup Dam, also on the Ohio River. 48 AMP member communities are participating in this project. Under a partnership agreement wtih the member community of Hamilton, Ohio, AMP is overseeing construction of the Meldahl project and will own 48.6 percent of the facility when it becomes operational. Upon commercial operation of the Meldahl project, AMP will obtain a 48.6 percent share of the Greenup facility.
Meldahl Quarterly Report
Meldahl/Greenup Information Sheet

For more information regarding hydroelectric power projects, please contact Phil Meier, assistant vice president of hydroelectric development, at 614/540-1111 or via e-mail at pmeier@amppartners.org.