History
Seminoe Dam and Power Plant construction began in 1936 and was completed in 1939. The original installed capacity of the plant was 32,400 but the plant was uprated in the mid-1970's to its current installed capacity of 45,000 kilowatts. The three-phase unit power transformer was replaced in 2001.
The President approved the Kendrick Project on August 30, 1935. Originally known as Casper-Alcova, the project was renamed Kendrick in 1937.
The Kendrick Project conserves the waters of the North Platte River for irrigation and electric power generation. The project is a multi-purpose development with storage at Seminoe Reservoir and diversion at Alcova Dam to project lands. Operation of the reservoirs and power plants is integrated with other river basin developments. Seminoe Reservoir, with a total capacity of 1,017,279 acre-feet, provides storage capacity for the water to irrigate the project lands. The power plant generates electric power as the water is released for irrigation or stored in Pathfinder Reservoir for later release as required.
Plan
Electric energy generated at the Seminoe Power Plant is marketed through the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program's integrated system. The dam is a concrete-arch structure containing 210,000 cubic yards of concrete and rising 295 feet above the rock foundation. Water is released from the reservoir through penstocks at the Seminoe Power Plant or over a controlled spillway and outlet tunnel. The power plant is located at the base of the dam and has a rated head of 166 feet. The plant contains three units, each composed of a 15,000-kilowatt generator driven by a 20,800-horsepower turbine. Seminoe Dam and Power Plant construction began in 1936 and was completed in 1939. The original installed capacity of the plant was 32,400 but the plant was uprated in the mid-1970's to its current installed capacity of 45,000 kilowatts. The three-phase unit power transformer was replaced in 2001. A contract was completed for supplying new controls and a new trolley for the 50-ton power plant bridge crane. Reclamation forces installed the new crane in FY 2004. Preparation of designs and specifications was initiated in FY 2002 for a contract to replace the three single-phase unit power transformers at the plant. The contract was awarded in FY 2003 for installation of a new 3-phase transformer and modification of existing bus work in FY 2004. Designs and specifications were initiated and will be completed in FY 2004 for a contract to rehabilitate the three Unit Ring Seal Gates. The gates will be rehabilitated by contract in FY 2005, FY 2006, and FY 2007 maintenance seasons. Access to Seminoe Power Plant is affected by periodic rock falls from the steep canyon walls necessitating continual operation and maintenance expenditures.
