Sidney A. Murray, Jr. Hydroelectric Station
Encyclopedia
The Sidney A. Murray, Jr. Hydroelectric Station, also known as Louisiana Hydroelectric (LA Hydro), opened in response to a need for a non-polluting, less-costly power source for Vidalia, Louisiana
. A site approximately 40 miles south of the town was selected for the new facility. The 192 MW plant started full-scale operations in 1990. It was designed to rely on the Mississippi River
's natural flow and elevation drop at the Old River Control Structure
, therefore not needing a large impound dam. It was also built in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers existing water management objective with minimal impacts on the surrounding environment. The station operates more continuously than most run-of-the-river hydro plants, with a capacity factor of approximately 55% and an estimated availability in excess of 99%.
It is currently under an approved 42-year power purchase contract with Louisiana Power & Light (a subsidiary of Entergy
). The city of Vidalia purchases 6% of the power with an option to purchase up to 15% of the generated power.
The LA Hydro is the largest prefabricated power plant in the world. Its main business office is located in Vidalia. The current station manager is David Harris.
Vidalia, Louisiana
Vidalia is a city in and the parish seat of Concordia Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 4,543 at the 2000 census.- Geography :Vidalia is located at and has an elevation of ....
. A site approximately 40 miles south of the town was selected for the new facility. The 192 MW plant started full-scale operations in 1990. It was designed to rely on the Mississippi River
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is the largest river system in North America. Flowing entirely in the United States, this river rises in western Minnesota and meanders slowly southwards for to the Mississippi River Delta at the Gulf of Mexico. With its many tributaries, the Mississippi's watershed drains...
's natural flow and elevation drop at the Old River Control Structure
Old River Control Structure
The Old River Control Structure is a floodgate system located in a branch of the Mississippi River in central Louisiana. It regulates the flow of water leaving the Mississippi into the Atchafalaya River, thereby preventing the Mississippi river from changing course. Completed in 1963, the...
, therefore not needing a large impound dam. It was also built in accordance with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers existing water management objective with minimal impacts on the surrounding environment. The station operates more continuously than most run-of-the-river hydro plants, with a capacity factor of approximately 55% and an estimated availability in excess of 99%.
It is currently under an approved 42-year power purchase contract with Louisiana Power & Light (a subsidiary of Entergy
Entergy
Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. It is headquartered in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana.-History:...
). The city of Vidalia purchases 6% of the power with an option to purchase up to 15% of the generated power.
The LA Hydro is the largest prefabricated power plant in the world. Its main business office is located in Vidalia. The current station manager is David Harris.