Current Hydro Files Non-Capacity License Amendment for Dresden Island Hydroelectric Project
September 5, 2025
Current Hydro LLC Announces Filing of License Amendment for Dresden Island Hydroelectric Project
Pittsburgh, PA—Current Hydro LLC, a leading U.S. hydropower developer, filed a license amendment application on Thursday, September 4th, with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Dresden Island Hydropower Project. The project is located at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Dresden Island Lock and Dam on the Illinois River in Grundy County, Illinois. It will add 9.5 megawatts (MW) of renewable baseload hydropower capacity to the grid and generate 50,000 megawatt hours (MWh) annually, enough to power over 5,000 homes.
Current Hydro’s amendment application alters the original license for the Dresden Island Hydropower Project granted to Northern Illinois Hydropower, LLC (NIH) in September of 2016. In August of 2024, Current Hydro acquired the project and now acts as the agent for NIH. Based on Current Hydro’s river-first development philosophy, the amendment application requests a series of revisions to the existing license that will reduce the project footprint and result in a lower impact on environmental resources. Current Hydro partnered with Camas, an environmental consulting firm, to complete this application.
Matt Dunlap, Chief Development Engineer at Current Hydro, commented:
"Our proposed license amendment for the Dresden Island Hydropower Project capitalizes on existing infrastructure to deliver renewable, reliable energy alongside economic benefits for Illinois. It incorporates Current Hydro’s river-first approach to hydropower development, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing production of clean power."
The Dresden Island project is expected to create over one hundred and fifty local jobs over a two to three-year construction period, set to be completed in late 2028. It will contribute to regional energy capacity, grid stability, and national energy independence while generating value for the local economy and communities. Current Hydro remains committed to working closely with local stakeholders, state and federal agencies, and partners to ensure the successful delivery of this project.
About Current Hydro
Current Hydro is a U.S.-based hydropower developer advancing a portfolio of low-impact, run-of-release projects on the Ohio River and beyond. By integrating power generation into existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ infrastructure, Current Hydro delivers 24/7 carbon-free electricity while creating local jobs, tax revenues, and community benefits. The company is committed to responsible development that balances environmental stewardship and economic growth. Current Hydro is wholly owned by Conifer Infrastructure Partners, a U.S.-based infrastructure investment firm.