Installation of a Low Flow Unit at the Abiquiu Hydroelectric FacilityCX(s) Applied: A9, B5.1Date: 02/11/2010Location(s): Los Alamos County, New MexicoOffice(s): Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Golden Field Office
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
February 11, 2010
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CX(s) Applied: A9, B5.1
Date: 02/11/2010
Location(s): Los Alamos County, New Mexico
Office(s): Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Golden Field Office
The County of Los Alamos, Department of Public Utilities (County) will be using Department of Energy American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding to design and construct a powerhouse addition and add a 3-megawatt low flow turbine generator to the existing Abiquiu hydroelectric plant. The purpose is to produce energy between November and February when flows are usually below 200 cubic feet per second (CFS). The regular generators are inefficient at this low flow rate, whereas the 3-megawatt generator can produce 50% more energy than the large turbines at rates less than 200 CFS.