I took a genetics class in college, and I find that subject fascinating. Each individual is different, based not just on genome (their unique genetic makeup) but on phenome (how those genes express themselves physically). This idea is further driven home by the fact that even identical twins (with nearly identical genomes) do not look exactly alike and clones (with genomes identical to the original) are not copies of the “parent” organism.
Being unique is fun. We all want to be special, right? And we are!
Every hydroelectric power plant is special in its own way as well. After all, there is no cookie cutter, modular approach to hydro development. There’s no standard “off the shelf” system you can install and switch on to generate power at a dam or water diversion structure. Each site has its own challenges and hurdles to overcome.
This is reflected in our Hydro Hall of Fame inductees. Every one of them has a unique story to tell or a special claim to fame.
Take the 2013 inductees, for example:
— The 3.6-MW Ames plant in Colorado was the first hydroelectric facility to generate, transmit and use alternating current for industrial purposes in the U.S.
— The 19-MW Kananaskis facility in Alberta, Canada, was the first plant in Canada to contain a control center used to remotely operate other hydro plants.
— The 142-MW Keokuk Energy Center and Dam in Iowa provided several notable firsts, including first long-distance transmission line and first high-voltage transformers and insulators.
I’m sure the list could go on and on. How about the hydro plant you work at? What makes it unique? Tell me the story by commenting below, or send me an email at [email protected].
Who knows, if we like your story, you may see it show up on this website one day or in the pages of Hydro Review or HRW-Hydro Review Worldwide magazines!
Also, if you know of a historic hydro facility eligible for inclusion in our Hydro Hall of Fame, tell us about it here. Facilities selected for this honor for 2015 will be recognized during the awards and luncheon closing finale at HydroVision International in Portland, Ore.
And speaking of HydroVision International 2015, we are now accepting abstract submissions, as well as names of potential panelists. To learn more, click here.
