CURRENT HYDRO | PROJECT PORTFOLIO
Robert C. Byrd
Hydroelectric Project
28.5 MW
PLANNED CAPACITY
Ohio River
WATERWAY
P-15094
FERC PROJECT NO.
Mason County
WEST VIRGINIA
PROJECT OVERVIEW
New power from existing infrastructure
The Robert C. Byrd Hydroelectric Project will add 28.5 MW of new hydropower generation at the existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam on the Ohio River. By putting existing federal infrastructure to work, the Project is expected to generate approximately 190,000 MWh of reliable, renewable electricity annually, enough to power approximately 18,000 homes, without constructing a new dam or reservoir. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will continue to operate the existing locks and dam.
FERC issued the Environmental Assessment in September 2026 with a Finding of No Significant Impact. Endangered Species Act Section 7 consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services is underway, with issuance of the FERC license pending completion of consultation process.
PROJECT NUMBER
P-15094
TURBINE-GENERATOR
6 Kaplan Pit Turbines
PLANNED ANNUAL GENERATION
Over 190,000 MWh
START OF CONSTRUCTION
Estimated 2027
COMMERCIAL OPERATION
Estimated 2030
PROJECT VISUALS
Proposed Project Configuration
Project Rendering
Illustrative view of the proposed development within the existing decommissioned lock chambers
Proposed Site Layout
Site arrangement showing the proposed project within the existing decommissioned lock chambers
WHY IT MATTERS
Benefits for the region
Reliable Renewable Power
Planned generation that contributes carbon-free electricity to the regional grid.
Economic Opportunity
Construction employment, local business activity, and potential long-term economic contributions.
Existing Infrastructure
Developing power at a longstanding federal lock and dam, without construction a new dam.
