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Three legacy hydroelectric projects inducted into Hydro Hall of Fame for 2022

Three legacy hydroelectric projects inducted into Hydro Hall of Fame for 2022

Three historic hydroelectric facilities – distinguished by their long service life and reliable production of electricity – were inducted into the Hydro Hall of Fame for 2022 during the opening keynote session of HYDROVISION International.

The Hydro Hall of Fame recognizes extraordinary achievement, with an emphasis on long-lasting facilities. Since 1995, 63 legacy hydropower plants have been inducted. Together, this prestigious group demonstrates the long-lasting and significant contributions of hydroelectric plants, including clean renewable power, emission-free generation and reliability.

This year’s three inductees are:

  • 5 MW Boulder Canyon, owned by the city of Boulder, Colo. The facility was completed in 1910 to provide electricity to thriving mining camps and a growing urban population. At the time, this was the highest-head hydroelectric project in the U.S., at 1,835 feet. In 2001, the city of Boulder purchased Boulder Canyon hydro and integrated hydroelectric generation into its water supply operations. A modernization was completed about a decade ago that involved installing a new water-to-wire package.
  • 88 MW Long Lake, owned by Avista. This plant was completed in 1915 on the Spokane River in Washington State to serve rural communities and provide power for mining operations. The dam stands 213 feet high and is located where the river makes a horseshoe bend and passes through a canyon with tall granite walls. When it was built, it was the world’s highest spillway dam with the largest turbines then in use. Because of its historic significance, the property was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
  • 23 MW Ocoee 2, owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Completed in 1913 on the Ocoee River in Tennessee, Ocoee 2 was among the first hydroelectric projects in the region. TVA acquired the project in 1939. Water for the powerhouse is diverted into a wooden flume that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Ocoee is one of the top 10 destinations for whitewater rafting in the U.S. TVA has modified the plant by adding new components and safety systems, but parts still date to the early 20th century.

Each year, Clarion Energy reviews information on well over 100 historic hydro facilities before choosing the inductees. If you have information about a plant that should be considered for future induction into the Hydro Hall of Fame, nominate them at HydroReview.com.