MWH Global has been awarded an $11.2 million contract by Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) and Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency to provide engineering services in support of construction for the $379 million Red Rock hydroelectric project (RRHP) near Pella, Iowa, US.
The new hydropower plant will be built at the existing Red Rock Dam along the Des Moines River and will have a capacity of 36.4MW – making it the second largest hydropower plant in the state of Iowa once complete. It will be capable of generating up to 55MW at certain times of year.
“The Red Rock Dam offers a unique opportunity to tap into the energy potential from the Des Moines River, and diversify the energy portfolio of the Missouri River Energy Services," said Joe Adams, president of energy and industry for MWH. "We are thrilled to see the community embrace hydropower as a clean, reliable source of energy."
MRES expects construction of the project to begin this year, with operation expected in 2018. MWH provided permitting and design services during earlier phases of the project, and will continue to support MRES in the construction phase of the project.