FERC Renews Conowingo Dam’s Operating License, Preserving Maryland’s Largest Source of Renewable Energy

Rhea-AI Summary

Exelon Generation's Conowingo Dam has received a 50-year operating license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, a milestone for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. The renewed license will facilitate up to $700 million in enhancements for water quality, aquatic habitats, and fish passages. The dam continues to be Maryland's largest renewable energy source, providing reliable power to thousands. New programs will address habitat restoration and debris management, securing environmental and economic benefits for Maryland over the next half-century.

Positive

• Receipt of a 50-year operating license enhances Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts.
• Approval allows for up to $700 million in improvements benefiting water quality and aquatic life.
• Continued operation of Maryland's largest renewable energy source, impacting thousands of families.

Negative

• None.

Yesterday, Exelon Generation’s Conowingo Dam received a 50-year operating license from a unanimous Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The license is a critical step forward for Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts and paves the way for long-term investments that will enhance water quality, fish and eel passage, aquatic habitats and debris removal. It also enables the continued operation of Maryland’s largest source of renewable energy, which generates safe, reliable power for tens of thousands of Maryland families and businesses.

“This license renewal is a big win for Maryland’s environment and economy, paving the way for up to $700 million in improvements that will benefit Chesapeake Bay water quality and aquatic life,” said Bryan Hanson, executive vice president and chief generation officer. “As a result, the Conowingo Dam will continue to help Maryland achieve its long-term renewable and clean energy goals, combatting air pollution and helping preserve the Bay for another half-century.”

The benefits from the new license conditions include changes in the flow regime that will enhance habitat for aquatic species like American shad and river herring, and submerged aquatic vegetation, which trap sediment and remove pollution. Benefits also include new programs for mussel restoration, fish and eel-passage, turtle management and waterfowl-nesting. Exelon will also continue its investments to address the accumulation of trash and debris that float down from New York and Pennsylvania, as well as shoreline-management and stream flow regime changes.

“As Conowingo Dam employees, we take pride in knowing that we have provided clean energy to our region for over 90 years and will continue to make this state a better place to live,” said Conowingo Dam Plant Manager, Dusty McKeown. “This new license will further our efforts to protect and preserve the Chesapeake Bay and allow future generations of Marylanders to enjoy the many benefits of the dam for the next half-century.”

About Exelon Generation

Exelon Generation, a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (Nasdaq: EXC), is the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy, powering more than 20 million homes and businesses through a diverse generation fleet with more than 30,000 megawatts of capacity. Exelon Generation operates the largest U.S. fleet of zero-carbon nuclear plants with more than 18,700 megawatts from 21 reactors at 12 facilities in Illinois, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania. It also operates a diverse mix of wind, solar, hydroelectric, natural gas, and oil facilities in 19 states with approximately 12,000 megawatts. Exelon Generation sets the standard for world-class power plant operations that produce clean, safe, reliable electricity, and is an active partner and economic engine in the communities it serves by providing jobs, charitable contributions and tax payments that help towns and regions grow. Follow Exelon Generation on Twitter @ExelonGen, view the Exelon Generation YouTube channel or visit exeloncorp.com.

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FAQ

What did Exelon Generation announce regarding the Conowingo Dam on October 3, 2023?

Exelon Generation announced that the Conowingo Dam received a 50-year operating license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

How will the new license for Conowingo Dam affect Chesapeake Bay?

The new license will facilitate improvements that enhance water quality and aquatic habitats in Chesapeake Bay.

What is the estimated investment for improvements at Conowingo Dam?

The estimated investment for improvements at Conowingo Dam is up to $700 million.

How does the Conowingo Dam benefit Maryland families and businesses?

The Conowingo Dam provides safe and reliable power to thousands of families and businesses in Maryland.

What types of environmental programs will be implemented due to the new license?

The license will enable programs for habitat restoration, fish passages, and debris management.