The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has accepted an application from Ohio Power and Light LLC for a preliminary permit to study the feasibility of the 21.1-MW Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam Hydroelectric Project on the Ohio River between Ohio and West Virginia.
The proposed project would use the impoundment formed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ R. C. Byrd Locks and Dam and consist of a new 150-foot-long by 250-foot-wide concrete-walled intake/forebay structure, a new 250-foot-wide by 170-foot-long concrete powerhouse containing four 5.75-MW pit turbine-generators, a new 300-foot-long by 300-foot-wide tailrace, a new 60-foot-long by 60-foot-wide substation, a new 2.41-mile-long, 138-kilovolt transmission line and appurtenant facilities.
The estimated annual generation of the Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam Hydroelectric Project would be 165,000 MWh.
Ohio Power and Light filed the application in February 2021. The deadline for filing comments on the proposed project is 60 days from the notice date of March 17.
The purpose of a preliminary permit is to preserve the right of the permit holder to have the first priority in applying for a license for the project that is being studied.
