Blue Planet Prize >> Information >> Arrow Lakes Generating Station
The Arrow Lakes Generating Station was completed in 2002 through a special public-private partnership. The original dam was built in 1968, 40 km north of the US/Canada boarder.
The new arrangement incorporates a powerhouse that regulates the annual spring flood of the Columbia River. It minimises the risk of flooding in Washington and Oregon States during spring, and stores water for the rest of the year.
Significant technical challenges had to be overcome to make hydro generation efficient and economic at the site; the turbines operate over an unusual range of water level (head: 4.5 – 22.5 m).
The flow released through this station also enables increased generation from several schemes downstream. At the same time, the scheme delivers benefits relating to water quality, fish stocks and community development. One half of the net revenues from this scheme go to a trust for reinvestment in the region to promote social, economic and environmental well-being.
