Celebrating 60 years of hydropower at Glen Canyon Dam!
PAGE, Ariz. –This year Reclamation will celebrate 60 years of power generation at Glen Canyon Dam. The anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year, culminating with the precise anniversary September 4.
The anniversary comes at a crucial point in time for the dam, while experts work to identify a range of alternatives and determine near and long-term operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead and other water management actions for potentially decades into the future.
“Sixty years ago, Glen Canyon Dam harnessed the power of the Colorado River to open the West to millions of people by providing for their water and power needs. This anniversary is a great opportunity for us to celebrate and recognize the many dam and powerplant workers who have made this achievement possible and continue its legacy today,” said Power Manager Nick Williams.
Lake Powell has the capacity to store nearly two years of the Colorado River's average annual flow, however after 23 years of drought, now stands at 35% of capacity. The powerplant produces an average of 4 billion kilowatt hours of hydroelectric power each year – enough electricity to help supply the power needs for more than 350,000 homes. It would take 1.8 million tons of coal or 2.4 million barrels of oil to generate the same amount of hydropower that Glen Canyon provides every year using clean, renewable hydropower.
The attached logo was developed for the anniversary and will be displayed at Glen Canyon dam and Reclamation power offices.
Stay tuned this year for more facts and information about this exciting [and powerful] milestone!
