A worsening recession and projections of future energy prices caused PPL to withdraw its application to expand the Holtwood Hydroelectric Plant on the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County in December.
But tax incentives and loan guarantees have allowed PPL, which delivers electricity to about four million customers, to give it another shot. PPL will file a new application with the Federal Regulatory Commission for a project that would add 125 megawatts of clean, renewable electric generating capacity at the plant.
The project, which comes with a hefty $440 million price tag, would add enough new renewable energy to power 100,000 homes and could create nearly 500 construction jobs.
“We’re looking forward to resuming work with the many government agencies, private organizations and individuals who have supported this project,” says William H. Spence, COO for PPL, which is headquartered in Allentown.
The project would also improve fish lifts that enable migratory fish to reach spawning areas upstream of the Holtwood Dam along the Susquehanna and its tributaries. Holtwood has been generating electricity since 1910, using the power of the water held back by the 55-foot high dam. The dam creates Lake Aldred, an eight-mile reservoir that provide recreational opportunities.
Pending government approval and availability of funds, construction on the Holtwood expansion could start as early as next February.
“While there are some significant regulatory and other hurdles to clear, we may be able to put this new renewable electric generating capacity in service by the spring of 2013,” says Spence.
Source: William Spence, PPL
Writer: Joe Petrucci
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