Recently in Warren and Vicksburg County an official test is being proposed to assess if the Mississippi river can generate hydroelectricity power. This could add up to renewable solutions in area.
It is actually “Free Flow Power Corp”., that came up with the proposal to use the river to generate electricity. The test requires turbines to be sunk into the water near Vicksburg. The corporation has already applied for a $750, 000, grant that might be supplied by Mississippi Development Authority.
According to Vicksburg Post, the company is only in search of finance support from MDA and not local governments. The company is also ready to indulge in electricity deals with local government.
There have been two turbine developers, which have actually contacted the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the use of the river for hydroelectricity and Free Flow is one of them. The spin turbines will produce around 20 KW of renewable energy. This is still below the requirement of the city but it will at least provide additional energy to the current grid.
On the board of Free Flow, Crear, says that having Vicksburg as a pilot project will certify that the technology is effective. Similar project could then be extended in other large rivers.
It is predicted that the MDA grant will be provided in March. It will account for 75 % of the expenses that are involved in sinking the turbine in the riverside, and Free Flow is going to pay for the remaining 25 percent.
Free Flow is predicting that the construction will take around 6 months to be completed. It is thus already discussing with two firms that operate in the riverside. According to Mayor Paul Winfield, the project is unique in its kind and a chance for citizens of Vicksburg to maximize the use of the river. Green technology is an astounding opportunity.
If the technology appears effective, it is expected that it will promulgate to 55 other location south of St.Louis, along the Mississippi river. Some of the locations are Warren County, Vicksburg, Brunswick community and Davis Island. The license for further ventures is estimated for 2012.
The turbines will be placed in such a way that they do not interfere with shipping routes. Already other firms are lurking for investment opportunities. Hydro Green Energy is planning to establish two turbines in Tennessee, Tombigbee River.
Primary source:DailyMail
Secondary Source: Vicksburg Post
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.