Seminoe Dam and Powerplant construction began in 1936 and was completed in 1939. The original installed capacity of the plant was 32,400 but the plant was uprated in the mid-1970`s to its current installed capacity of 45,000 kilowatts. The three-phase unit power transformer was replaced in 2001.
The President approved the Kendrick Project on August 30, 1935. Originally known as Casper-Alcova, the project was renamed Kendrick in 1937.
The Kendrick Project conserves the waters of the North Platte River for irrigation and electric power generation. The project is a multi-purpose development with storage at Seminoe Reservoir and diversion at Alcova Dam to project lands. Operation of the reservoirs and powerplants is integrated with other river basin developments. Seminoe Reservoir, with a total capacity of 1,017,279 acre-feet, provides storage capacity for the water to irrigate the project lands. The powerplant generates electric power as the water is released for irrigation or stored in Pathfinder Reservoir for later release as required.
Plan
Electric energy generated at the Seminoe Powerplant is marketed through the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program`s integrated system. The dam is a concrete-arch structure containing 210,000 cubic yards of concrete and rising 295 feet above the rock foundation. Water is released from the reservoir through penstocks at the Seminoe Powerplant or over a controlled spillway and outlet tunnel. The powerplant is located at the base of the dam and has a rated head of 166 feet. The plant contains three units, each composed of a 15,000-kilowatt generator driven by a 20,800-horsepower turbine. Seminoe Dam and Powerplant construction began in 1936 and was completed in 1939. The original installed capacity of the plant was 32,400 but the plant was uprated in the mid-1970`s to its current installed capacity of 45,000 kilowatts. The three-phase unit power transformer was replaced in 2001. A contract was completed for supplying new controls and a new trolley for the 50-ton powerplant bridge crane. Reclamation forces installed the new crane in FY 2004. Preparation of designs and specifications was initiated in FY 2002 for a contract to replace the three single-phase unit power transformers at the plant. The contract was awarded in FY 2003 for installation of a new 3-phase transformer and modification of existing bus work in FY 2004. Designs and specifications were initiated and will be completed in FY 2004 for a contract to rehabilitate the three Unit Ring Seal Gates. The gates will be rehabilitated by contract in FY 2005, FY 2006, and FY 2007 maintenance seasons. Access to Seminoe Powerplant is affected by periodic rock falls from the steep canyon walls necessitating continual operation and maintenance expenditures. Western Electricity Coordinating Council, Rocky Mountain Power Area Western Area Power Administration, Rocky Mountain Region Conventional Above Ground Francis 32,400 kW 51,750 kW 1939 74 years 96,406,970 kWh 2007 166 ft
General
NERC Region
Western Electricity Coordinating Council, Rocky Mountain Power Area
PMA Service Area
Western Area Power Administration, Rocky Mountain Region
Plant Type
Conventional
Powerhouse Type
Above Ground
Turbine Type
Francis
Original Nameplate Capacity
32,400 kW
Installed Capacity
51,750 kW
Year of Initial Operation
1939
Age
74 years
(Fiscal Year)
2007
Rated Head
166 ft
Plant Factor
21.3 percent
Production Mode
Intermediate
Remotely Operated
Yes
River
North Platte River
Contact
Contact
Title: Facility Manager Organization: North Platte Projects Field Office Address: 22122 Kortes Road City: Alcova, WY 82620 Phone: 307-261-5960
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