Address: downtown Minneapolis on the Mississippi River at Saint Anthony Falls.

Overview:

Plant Description: The Xcel Energy owned Hennepin Island plant is a five-unit hydro plant, with each turbine accommodating river flows of up to 800 cubic feet a second. Hennepin Island also is home to a major electric distribution center – Main Street substation – serving downtown Minneapolis.

Power Production Capability (in-service dates): 12 MW total, units 1, 2, 3 and 4 (1954); unit 5 (1955); the five units produce 2. 4 MW each.

Fuel Sources: Falling water that flows through each turbine, which turns a generator to produce electricity. A 1,900-foot-long, 14-foot-high dam, situated on the upper portion of Saint Anthony Falls, creates a 450-acre reservoir that provides fuel for the plant. The dam and falls create 49 feet of “head’, or the height from the water surface to the turbines. The amount of electricity generated is determined by the amount of head and volume of water flow.

Interesting Features: The aging Saint Anthony Falls dam was replaced in 2000-2001 with a new dam about 30 feet upriver of the existing structure. Xcel Energy recently completed the re-licensing process for its Hennepin Island plant that ensures continued hydro operations at one of its original plant sites.

Just upriver of the plant is Water Power Park, developed by Xcel Energy to give the public an upfront view of the main spillway, horseshoe dam and the downtown skyline – plus information about the history of water power in the region. The park, opened in 2007, attracts approximately 50,000 people annually.

Environmental Highlights: Hydro is a clean, renewable fuel and Xcel Energy manages its dam operations to protect the aquatic environment and improve recreational opportunities.

Contact Information:

• Tours – 1-800-895-4999
• Media Inquiries – 612-215-5300