Hydroelectric power on the Big 4

[feeshrman]

I just read an article dated May 13, 2016 from Mississippi Today. It said a company has made arrangements with the COE and plans to convert all of the Big 4 flood control lake dams to hydroelectric power plants. I've never heard of such a project in development. Just wondering if it is all bs or if it is legit. Seems to me the water flow would be too inconsistent over time to be feasible. I have often thought the COE should have done this on the Tenn-Tom, just like Pickwick.

[feeshrman]

[SlabLapper4sure]

Thanks for the info Chris.That's pretty wild right there!It ought to bring some much needed revenue to those areas with jobs and maybe lower folks power bills!


Crear said converting the four dams to produce hydropower will create more than 100 jobs in the area during the construction period, and two or three permanent jobs after that.
He said bringing a renewable source of energy to the region will also bring an investment of more than $80 million.
“After I retired from a 33-year worldwide military career, my wife and I wanted to give back to the community that was responsible for our success in life,” Crear said of his career that included heading various divisions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi River Commission.
“The fact that our projects would be the first to bring hydro-power to our home state makes me feel good and satisfied that I am giving back to the people of Mississippi.”
According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s website, Mississippi is one of two states – the other being Delaware – that does not use hydropower for electricity.
Hydropower captures energy from flowing water to make electricity. Turbines and generators convert that energy into electricity, which is fed into an electrical grid for use in homes and businesses.
LeRoy Coleman, spokesman for the National Hydropower Association, said hydropower is an ideal option for states seeking clean energy solutions.
"States like Mississippi are looking to reduce their carbon footprint," Coleman said. "They can look to resources like hydropower."
Coleman said hydropower has been the country’s largest source of renewable energy. He also said hydropower helps the nation avoid more than 200 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually – the equivalent of 42 million cars.
According to environmental assessment documents for the projects, the regulatory commission approved a license for the Yazoo Basin hydropower projects for they would be “dependable sources of electrical energy … would come from a renewable resource that does not contribute to atmospheric pollution” and would “protect and enhance environmental resources affected.”
“FERC must ensure that a project is best adapted to a comprehensive plan for improving or developing a waterway or waterways for the use or benefit of interstate or foreign commerce,” said Celeste Miller, spokeswoman for the commission. “for the improvement and utilization of waterpower development; for the adequate protection, mitigation, and enhancement of fish and wildlife; and for other beneficial public uses, including irrigation, flood control, water supply, recreation, and other purposes. We also must consider the need for power.”
FFP New Hydro has two investors: US Renewables Group of Santa Monica, Calif. and Crestline Investors of Dallas.
Pablo Diaz, executive director of the Grenada Economic Development District, said his community is looking forward to the construction of the hydropower project at the Grenada dam.
"The economic impact from the investment and job creation are important to our region as well as the positive impact it will have as a source of clean energy," Diaz said in an email. "We look forward to supporting FFP New Hydro as they invest and create jobs in our community."

[feeshrman]

Something doesn't seem right about it to me. If it is true why hasn't it been more publicized? You would think it would be big news now if they plan to start in 2017. The article goes on to say the cost is 80 million and will provide power to 15 thousand homes. That's $53,333.34 per home, I have no idea if that is a good cost per home or not. Of course I know the homeowner would not pay for this, but if these projects fail someone will pay. It also says only 100 construction jobs would be created and only 3-4 full time positions once in operation. That doesn't sound feasible at all. I'm not saying I'm for it or against it, need more information, IF THIS IS EVEN TRUE. Like I said earlier, it's hard to believe something like this has been kept quiet.

[LowePro]

If it is true why hasn't it been more publicized?

No room for good news in the media. They are too busy trying to turn races against each other. And they are doing a great job at it. Its wild how much they can cut and edit and make a criminal apprear as the victim.

[Rees Guide]

I will email Artie Monday and try to get a statement from them at grenada. It takes current and that's not something they can guarantee

[feeshrman]

Tread carefully when someone shows up and says, "I'm from the government and here to help you."

[Iwannafish]

Ima call bs on that one. Think I would have heard if they were gonna put a new hydro-electric dam on Grenada. But.......... who knows?


Lots of info. Page 45 is most relevant to this discussion. Found the cost/return ratio would not justify power stations in this report.

https://books.google.com/books?id=1x...%20dam&f=false

[torch]

I first heard of this in 2012 I had always wondered why it wasn't done when first built these reservoirs. These will be smaller hydroelectric generators but I had initially heard each would service around 15000 homes


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[Gomer Snerd]

can do nothing but screw it up. 25 years ago on the Arkansas River the flow would be perfect for weeks at a time. Then they put the hydro plant at Notrebes bend dam. From then on they hold water back until they want to generate and then flow the crap out of it. Then they shut it off til they want to flow again. you have either a dead lake or a too high flow rate. Fishing can be ok at times but not like it was. any time the government does anything to a good lake they screw iot up. Also, bet those folks who are gonna get that electricity won't be locals but in Louisiana or BFE. Arkansas helped pay for Nuclear ! but get none of the juice. At least they didn't when it was built.