Retrofitting Hydropower at Existing Dams

October 19-20, 2010

Holden, MA

Historically, dams and accompanying locks were sited on many of the large rivers in the United States in order to provide enough water depth to facilitate regular navigation for freight barges and other water craft. Many additional dams without electrical generation were built for other historical reasons, such as mill power and flood control.  With recent high energy prices and government incentives, the installation of hydropower generation at these facilities has become economically attractive.   This “how to” workshop covered the challenging hurdles in lock and dam power generation from economic modeling to addressing governmental navigational and environmental concerns. 

“The processes that our clients go through to license a project is complicated,” said Alden President, Stuart Cain. “We’re pleased to be able to collaborate with the US Army Corps of Engineers, turbine developers, architectural engineering firms, and other experts in the field to offer this workshop and help to provide guidance.”