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Missouri River Energy Services – Red Rock Hydroelectric Plant

Missouri River Energy Services - Red Rock Hydroelectric Plant Construction Aerial View of Site

Taking advantage of existing U.S. Army Corps of Engineer infrastructure, the Red Rock Hydroelectric Power Plant provides sustainable, clean energy to roughly 18,000 homes in South-Central Iowa. The plant, which is located along the Des Moines River, was built in conjunction with general contractor Ames Construction. The power generating facility is owned and operated by Missouri River Energy Services headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Boldt installed two Voith Kaplin hydroelectric turbines as well as all Voith supplied supporting equipment and embedded parts. Now fully operational, the plant produces 36 megawatts of power, yet only requires three individuals to operate it. In addition, Boldt was awarded the contract to install two sections of Penstock. These steel tubes which carry water through the existing dam to the turbines are 21 feet in diameter and 200 feet in length. After welding and installation, these tubes were encased in concrete. Startup and commissioning began in summer 2018.

Client

Missouri River Energy Services

Location
Pella, Iowa
Architect/Engineer

Stantec

Boldt Role
Self-perform Construction
Project Type
Renovation
Project Size
36MW

Project Highlights

  • First time ever that an existing and operational dam was drilled into to create openings to carry water to the hydro turbines.