The Smithland hydroelectric facility, currently under development, will add 72 MW of new, renewable generation to the region. Located near Smithland, Ky., the Smithland plant is scheduled to be commercially available in 2015.
The Smithland project will divert water from the existing Corps Smithland Locks and Dam through bulb turbines to generate an average gross annual output of approximately 379 million kilowatt-hours (kWh). The site will include an intake approach channel, a reinforced concrete powerhouse and a tailrace channel. The powerhouse will house three horizontal FERC rated 24 MW bulb type turbine and generating units with an estimated total rated capacity of 72 MW at a gross head of 22 feet. A 2.5-mile-long 161 kV transmission line interconnection is planned to connect to MISO.
Smithland is located approximately 62 river miles upstream of the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, in Livingston County, Ky.
AMP is developing the Smithland plant on behalf of 79 participating AMP member communities. The Central Virginia Electric Cooperative is also participating in the project.
The Smithland project will employee 200-400 construction workers at the peak of construction and, once online, will provide up to nine permanent operating positions. AMP signed a contract in June 2008 with York, Pennsylvania-based Voith Hydro for the manufacture of turbines and generators. The contract for excavation and cofferdam was awarded to CJ Mahan Construction in April 2010.
- Location: Kentucky side of the Ohio River, near Smithland, Kentucky (about 3 ½ hours southwest of Louisville, Ky.)
- Anticipated commercial operation: Spring 2015
- Estimated capacity: 72 MW
- Estimated construction jobs: 200-400 at peak of construction
- Estimated permanent jobs: 7-9
- Formal groundbreaking: Held September 1, 2010, featuring Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Congressman Ed Whitfield (KY-1), and state and local officials
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The following images illustrate the progress of Smithland’s construction in chronological order. Click the links below to view construction photos by year.
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The batch plant is in assembly stage
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Stone column installation
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Hatch covers are unloaded on site
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Setting culverts for a land bridge to the island
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Aerial view
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Compaction grouting nears completion
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Bench preparation for stone column installation
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Placement of the base slab for the owner-furnished fuel tank
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Island clearing for future tailrace excavation work
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The last sheet pile for the cut off wall is driven
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Compaction grouting continues |
Six drill rigs work together in a concentrated area |
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Smithland 2011
Smithland 2010
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Cannelton Hydro Project
Meldahl Hydro Project
Willow Island Hydro Project
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