Sidney A. Murray Jr. Hydroelectric Station facts for kids

The Sidney A. Murray Jr. Hydroelectric Station, also known as Louisiana Hydroelectric (LA Hydro), is a special power plant in Louisiana. It was built to create clean and cheaper electricity for the town of Vidalia, Louisiana. This plant uses the natural flow of the Mississippi River to make power. It started working fully in 1990.

How the Plant Works

The Sidney A. Murray Jr. Hydroelectric Station is located about 40 miles south of Vidalia. It makes 192 megawatts (MW) of power. Unlike many power plants that use water, this one doesn't need a huge dam to hold back water. Instead, it uses the river's natural movement and a small drop in height at a place called the Old River Control Structure.

This design helps the plant work with the river's natural flow. It also means it doesn't cause many problems for the environment around it. The plant was built with help from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. They make sure water is managed well. This power station runs almost all the time, being ready to work more than 99% of the time. It uses the river's energy about 55% of the time it's running.

Why This Plant is Special

The LA Hydro plant is very unique because it's the largest power plant in the world that was built in pieces somewhere else and then put together on site. This means parts of the plant were made in factories and then brought to Louisiana to be assembled.

Who Uses the Power?

The electricity made by the Sidney A. Murray Jr. Hydroelectric Station is sold through a long-term agreement. This agreement lasts for 42 years. A company called Louisiana Power & Light, which is part of Entergy, buys most of the power. The city of Vidalia buys 6% of the electricity. They also have the choice to buy up to 15% of the power the plant makes if they need more. The main office for LA Hydro is in Vidalia.