FERC to Prepare Environmental Review for Hawks Nest Hydropower Upgrade
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This notice moves the Hawks Nest hydropower upgrade into environmental review. Hawks Nest Hydro wants to convert the West Virginia project from 25 Hz to 60 Hz power so it can sell electricity directly into the regional grid, while replacing turbines and generators, adding a switchyard, upgrading transmission equipment, and making related site improvements. The project would slightly increase authorized capacity and water use through the turbines. FERC staff plans to issue an environmental assessment by October 30, 2026, followed by a 30-day comment period, so energy market participants, local communities, recreation groups, and environmental stakeholders should watch for the assessment and submit comments if they have concerns.
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Key Changes
- FERC staff will prepare an environmental assessment for the proposed Hawks Nest hydropower license amendment.
- The project would convert generation and transmission from 25 Hz to 60 Hz for direct sales to the regional grid.
- The upgrade would replace turbines and generators, add grid equipment, and slightly increase authorized capacity from 102 MW to 108.5 MW.