Holtwood, Pennsylvania facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Holtwood, Pennsylvania
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 Holtwood, Pennsylvania
Location in Pennsylvania
Holtwood, Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Lancaster |
| Township | Martic |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.72 sq mi (1.86 km2) |
| • Land | 0.71 sq mi (1.85 km2) |
| • Water | 0.004 sq mi (.01 km2) |
| Population
(2000)
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| • Total | 97 |
| • Density | 135.1/sq mi (52.2/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
17532
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| GNIS feature ID | 1177240 |
Holtwood is a small, quiet place located in Martic Township, Lancaster County, in the state of Pennsylvania. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it's a group of homes and businesses that isn't officially a town or city with its own local government.
The Muddy Run Power Plant
Holtwood is home to a very important place called the Muddy Run Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Power Plant. This plant is located right along the Susquehanna River. It plays a big role in providing electricity to homes and businesses.
How the Plant Works
The Muddy Run Power Plant uses a clever way to make electricity. It's called "pumped storage." Here's how it works:
- When people don't need much electricity (like late at night), the plant uses extra power from the grid.
- This power is used to pump water from the Susquehanna River up into a large reservoir, which is like a big storage lake, located on a hill.
- When people need a lot of electricity (like during the day when everyone is using lights and appliances), the plant lets the water flow back down from the reservoir.
- As the water rushes downhill, it spins giant turbines, which are like big pinwheels.
- These spinning turbines then power generators that create electricity.
This method helps to balance the electricity supply. It stores energy when it's not needed and releases it quickly when demand is high.
Generating Clean Energy
The Muddy Run Power Plant can produce over 1,000 megawatts (MW) of power. To give you an idea, one megawatt can power hundreds of homes! This plant is a great example of how we can use water to create clean, renewable energy. It doesn't burn fossil fuels, which helps keep our air cleaner.
