Cannelton Hydroelectric Plant
The Cannelton Hydroelectric Plant is an 88-megawatt (MW) run-of-the-river hydroelectric power plant providing renewable* generation to the region. It is part of the AMP Combined Hydroelectric Project.
Cannelton Hydroelectric Plant
The Cannelton plant diverts water from the existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cannelton Locks and Dam, about 3 miles southeast of Cannelton, Indiana. The Cannelton Hydroelectric Plant is on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, near Hawesville, Kentucky, on the opposite shore of the locks.
The Cannelton Hydroelectric Plant uses bulb turbines that generate an average annual output of approximately 458 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). The site includes an intake approach channel, a reinforced concrete powerhouse and a tailrace channel. The powerhouse contains three horizontal bulb-type turbines and generating units with a total rated capacity of 88 MW at a gross head of 25 feet.
Cannelton by the Numbers
Participation
There are 79 American Municipal Power, Inc. (AMP) Member communities in Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia receiving power from the Cannelton facility. The plant is part of the AMP Combined Hydroelectric Project, also known as AMP Phase 1 Hydroelectric Project, which also includes the Smithland and Willow Island plants.
Construction
Excavation and cofferdam construction began in 2010, and powerhouse construction began in 2011. The plant reached full commercial operation in June 2016.
*Note that AMP, on behalf of its Members, sells all or a portion of the renewable energy certificates created by its renewable energy projects, power purchase agreements and joint ventures to help reduce its wholesale power costs.