History
More than a million cubic yards of earth and rock were excavated to build the Keokuk dam and plant, which began operation in 1913. The history of the site as a power source began as far back as 1836, when Robert E. Lee conducted a survey for the War Department and called attention to the power potential of this section of the Mississippi. An engineering marvel of its time, Keokuk is the largest privately owned and operated dam and hydroelectric generating plant on the Mississippi River. Over the years, AmerenUE has continued to invest millions of dollars for the modernization and repair of the plant and dam.
AmerenUE also owns some 12,000 acres of flowage land and land covered by water. The company controls or has flowage rights on a total of 55,000 acres of land above the dam, including many islands, wetlands, and timberlands. The lake is a haven for boating and fishing and the site for several nationally recognized bass tournaments.
Operation
As it passes through the power plant, falling water spins turbines, or water wheels, which drive generators that produce electricity. Keokuk Plant is a "run-of-river plant," meaning that all water flowing downstream passes the plant on a daily basis. No water is stored. An average day of operation at Keokuk Plant saves the equivalent of nearly 1,000 tons of coal.
Fuel Type
Hydroelectric
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