Rye development gets $60M for Allegheny 2 hydroelectric project by Highland Park Bridge

[216facts]

Originally Posted by gg

There are no plans to take out the Highland Park Dam (lock 2). Coal isn't dead in the least. Take a ride down Rt. 7 along the Ohio River to Marietta or just go to Springdale. Coal is being burned at alarming rates. Heck most of ALL train traffic and barge traffic is going to Springdale which is running 24/7.

I realize that coal is a hot-button issue and has been turned into a political volleyball. However, coal-fired power plants are shutting down. "In 2015, 94 coal-fired power plants closed" and "Another 41 coal plants are scheduled to close in 2016". "Most of the states that are totally free of coal or are heading in that direction tend to be liberal. But the red states aren’t far behind. Alabama is slated to close eight coal-fired generators by 2019"
https://morningconsult.com/2016/05/0...ean-power-plan

This is due to a combination of tougher air quality guidelines, the public's perception that coal is unhealthy, significant discounts in natural gas costs, and more renewable energy sources coming on line.

Coal is not dead, but it is dying.

[mountainlove]

I may be in the minority here, but I for one am pumped to see folks using the dam system to create hydroelectricity!

The locks and dams have been built for a very long time. The investment, and environmental changes have taken place. If we can better utilize this existing investment to generate electricity to provide additional benefits, and lessen our dependence on coal, gas, and other fossil fuels while creating local maintenance, construction, and clean electricity jobs than I am all for it.

[UKyank]

Originally Posted by 216facts

I realize that coal is a hot-button issue and has been turned into a political volleyball. However, coal-fired power plants are shutting down. "In 2015, 94 coal-fired power plants closed" and "Another 41 coal plants are scheduled to close in 2016". "Most of the states that are totally free of coal or are heading in that direction tend to be liberal. But the red states aren’t far behind. Alabama is slated to close eight coal-fired generators by 2019"
https://morningconsult.com/2016/05/0...ean-power-plan

This is due to a combination of tougher air quality guidelines, the public's perception that coal is unhealthy, significant discounts in natural gas costs, and more renewable energy sources coming on line.

Coal is not dead, but it is dying.

The US coal industry is seeing a spike in coal exports to China with their freeze in North Korean imports & issues with Australia's supply.....relevant for western pa is that bituminous is the specific coal seeing the demand....will be interesting to see if this is a long term trend or not.

[gg]

Looks like Pitt wants to get 25% of its electricity from this hydro plant.

https://www.nextpittsburgh.com/city-...ropower-plant/

I do have a concern about this however. If they put this hydro plant in, how will they get the power to Pitt? Will they be able to use existing lines for most of it? Could be a huge eyesore if they have to start running lines all over those beautiful tree covered hills. I do like the idea of our region using some of these dams for our electric however. Anyone know more about this?

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.4895...7i13312!8i6656

[WhoIsStanwix?]

Originally Posted by gg

Looks like Pitt wants to get 25% of its electricity from this hydro plant.

https://www.nextpittsburgh.com/city-...ropower-plant/

I do have a concern about this however. If they put this hydro plant in, how will they get the power to Pitt? Will they be able to use existing lines for most of it? Could be a huge eyesore if they have to start running lines all over those beautiful tree covered hills. I do like the idea of our region using some of these dams for our electric however. Anyone know more about this?

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.4895...7i13312!8i6656

I think the way electric distribution works now, producers sell their generated electricity to the "grid", other companies transmit that electricity, and consumers purchase from the "grid" indirectly. My guess is rather than a direct line to Pitt, what you'll have is a financial arrangement between Pitt and the producer that has Pitt "purchasing" from the plant. It won't be like the electrons coming out of the hydro plant are directly feeding power outlets, lights, and appliances on campus. I could be wrong, though.

[gg]

Originally Posted by WhoIsStanwix?

I think the way electric distribution works now, producers sell their generated electricity to the "grid", other companies transmit that electricity, and consumers purchase from the "grid" indirectly. My guess is rather than a direct line to Pitt, what you'll have is a financial arrangement between Pitt and the producer that has Pitt "purchasing" from the plant. It won't be like the electrons coming out of the hydro plant are directly feeding power outlets, lights, and appliances on campus. I could be wrong, though.

Ah that makes sense. I do remember looking at green options for my power and that is how it worked. You are probably spot on. I am glad Pitt is doing this. Every bit helps.