Federal Register #2026-12334

FERC Environmental Assessment Notice for Hawks Nest Hydro Project Upgrades

This opportunity involves the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), part of the Department of Energy, announcing its intent to prepare an environmental assessment for the Hawks Nest Hydro Project in West Virginia. - Government Buyer: - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Department of Energy - Project Overview: - Hawks Nest Hydro, LLC proposes to convert its hydroelectric generation and transmission frequency from 25 Hz to 60 Hz - Project located on the New River, Fayette County, West Virginia - Key Modifications Proposed: - Replacement of Unit 1 and Unit 2 turbines and generators - Construction of a new switchyard and access road near the powerhouse - Upgrade of one primary transmission line and abandonment of another - Installation of a new prefabricated metal building - Upgrades to ancillary equipment - Project Impact: - Increase in installed capacity from 102 MW to 108.5 MW - Increase in maximum hydraulic capacity from 10,160 cfs to 10,380 cfs - Continued run-of-river operation with increased minimum flows and more frequent, shorter recreational flow releases - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs or vendors are mentioned in this notice - Notable Requirements: - The notice is informational only and does not solicit products or services at this stage - Focus is on environmental assessment and project modification plans

Description

The Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission intend to prepare an environmental assessment for the Hawks Nest Hydro project located on the New River in Fayette County, West Virginia. The project involves converting energy generation and transmission frequency from 25 Hz to 60 Hz to allow power sales directly to the regional electric grid. Proposed changes include replacing turbines and generators, constructing a new switchyard and access road, upgrading transmission lines and ancillary equipment, and increasing the project's installed capacity from 102 MW to 108.5 MW. The licensee will continue run-of-river operation and increase minimum flows and recreational flow releases in the bypassed reach.

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