Current Hydro has an ambitious initiative to harness clean, renewable power at the existing Allegheny Lock and Dam 4.

As part of our core belief, environmental sustainability and local interests have driven the design of the proposed project. With its small footprint and low impact design, this 6.35 MW project will bypass less river flow, allowing more water to pass over the dam which increases dissolved oxygen content in the river to promote a healthy downstream aquatic habitat. With the advancement of in-depth environmental studies of fish, mussel, bat, and wetland habitats ahead of our engineering efforts, the proposed design maintains an environmentally conscientious approach.

With a mind for aesthetics and neighborhood viewshed, the project design features a low vertical profile so that the powerhouse (set to be tucked into the dam’s East Abutment) will be submersible during high river flows and the powerhouse-substation will be as inconspicuous as possible with creative landscaping. Additionally, the proposed project’s modular design is intended to accelerate the construction process to reduce temporary construction impacts. Throughout the conceptual phase of engineering design, Current Hydro is collaborating with local and federal agencies to ensure the project not only achieves but exceeds regulatory design and environmental standards.

The team is progressing the environmental study and conceptual engineering phase, collaborating with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on our conceptual design, and reaching out to our community neighbors. The Pre-Application Document and Proposed Study Plan were filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in October 2024 under FERC Project No. 15267. The licensing and permitting process is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2026.