Briefing on Center Hill

The Center Hill Hydropower Plant, despite recent refurbishment efforts, has experienced a significant 74% decline in generation over the past six months, indicating potential operational inefficiencies or external factors impacting its output.

Overview

• Project Name: Center Hill Hydropower Plant

• Location: Tennessee

• Status: Operating since 1950

• Developer: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District

• Agency: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Fleet Details

• Capacity: 156 MW

• Technology: Conventional Hydroelectric

• Generators: 3

• Operator: USCE-Nashville District

• Ownership: USCE-Nashville District

• EPC Contractor: Voith Hydro Inc. of North America

• Latest Milestone: Turbine-generator refurbishment completed in August 2021

Operational Performance

• Annual Generation: 292 GWh

• Capacity Factor: 23.8%

• Recent Generation (2024): 8 GWh (October), 7 GWh (November), 11 GWh (December)

• Generation Trend: Down 74% over the past 6 months compared to the prior 6 months

• Grid: NERC: SERC, BA: Tennessee Valley Authority

Financial Profile

• Capital Expenditure (CapEx): $2294/kW

The Center Hill Hydropower Plant, a long-standing conventional hydroelectric facility, has recently undergone significant refurbishment, yet its generation has shown a notable decline in recent months. Its low capacity factor and recent generation trend suggest potential operational challenges despite recent capital investment in turbine-generator upgrades.