Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Issues Notice for Claiborne Hydroelectric Project

Strategic Insights -

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a formal notice accepting the preliminary permit application for the Claiborne Hydroelectric Project, proposed by Claiborne Hydroelectric, LLC. The project aims to study the feasibility of a hydropower project at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Claiborne Lock and Dam on the Alabama River in Alabama. The proposed project would have an estimated annual generation of 139.5 gigawatt-hours.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Claiborne Hydroelectric Project proposes to study the feasibility of a hydropower project at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Claiborne Lock and Dam on the Alabama River in Alabama.
  • The proposed project would consist of an armored intake structure, a reinforced concrete powerhouse, an armored tailrace, and a 4.5-mile-long transmission line.
  • The estimated annual generation of the project would be 139.5 gigawatt-hours.
  • The public can submit comments, motions to intervene, and competing applications to FERC by August 25, 2025.
  • The Commission encourages electronic filing, but submissions can be made via the U.S. Postal Service or other carriers.
  • Individuals seeking public inquiries and assistance with making filings can contact the Office of Public Participation (OPP) at (202) 502-6595 or OPP@ferc.gov.

Statistics:

  • The estimated annual generation of the project would be 139.5 gigawatt-hours.
  • The proposed project would consist of a 98-foot-wide, 50-foot-long armored intake structure, a 98-foot-wide, 187-foot-long reinforced concrete powerhouse, a 100-foot-long, 98-foot-wide armored tailrace, and a 4.5-mile-long, 230-kilovolt transmission line.
  • The public has 60 days from the issuance of this notice to submit comments, motions to intervene, competing applications, or notices of intent to file competing applications.

Sources:

  • United States of America Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (June 27, 2025). "NOTICE OF PRELIMINARY PERMIT APPLICATION ACCEPTED FOR FILING AND SOLICITING COMMENTS, MOTIONS TO INTERVENE, AND COMPETING APPLICATIONS." Document Accession #: 20250627-3012 Filed Date: 06/27/2025.