BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – The Pike Island Lock and Dam near Yorkville in Belmont County may serve as a future energy hub through a hydroelectric project on the Ohio River slated the begin there in late 2025, according to the website of the company behind it.
Current Hydro, a hydroelectric generating company based in Houston, Texas, uses the waterflow of rivers to create what it calls clean, sustainable and renewable energy.
The company says “The 19.9 MW facility will generate on average 132,000 MWh of carbon free energy annually, enough to power over 12,000 homes.” They expect to be operational by fall 2027.
Current Hydro anticipates the project will benefit the community economically through job creation, local business support and tax revenue.
The company says it takes care to preserve the environment and recreational activities at its project sites and consults fish and wildlife experts about each area.
Current Hydro is also beginning a hydroelectric project at the New Cumberland Lock and Dam in Hancock County, West Virginia. That project is also expected to break ground in in late 2025 and reach commercial operation by the fall of 2027.
Mascaro Construction is the general contractor for both the Pike Island and New Cumberland hydroelectric projects.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates the Pike Island Lock and Dam which has two locks designed to manage commercial barge traffic and maintain river navigation.
You can learn more about Current Hydro on their website.
