Markland Hydro Station Generates More Clean Energy After Upgrades

Duke Energy’s power plant on the Ohio River in Indiana increased output by 10%
May 26, 2022 10:25 AM ET

By McKenzie Barbknecht illumination Contributor

Upgrades at Duke Energy’s Markland Hydroelectric Station near Florence, Ind., increased the plant’s clean, renewable energy output by about 10% and will improve reliability for customers during the next 40 years.

Markland Hydroelectric Station can now generate up to 65 megawatts of renewable, carbon-free energy, depending on the flow of the river, which is enough to power 52,000 homes. The plant’s annual energy output increased by 39 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year.

“The low-cost, carbon-free power generated at Markland Hydro Station is an important piece of our diversified portfolio of generation sources,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “By embracing new advancements in technology and innovation, we’re able to expand clean energy production for our customers while also maintaining the reliable service they expect.”

Markland Hydroelectric Station began operating on the Ohio River in 1967. It was the first nongovernmental hydroelectric station built on the river. Upgrades like those at Markland are a key piece of Duke Energy’s transition to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Since 2005, the company has decreased sulfur dioxide emissions in Indiana by 96%, nitrogen oxide emissions by 73% and carbon emissions by 42%.

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