Maine Dam Seeks New License for Clean Power
Published Date: 7/2/2026
Notice
Summary
Great Lakes Hydro America wants a new license to run the Ripogenus Hydroelectric Project on Maine’s Penobscot River. The government is now reviewing the application and asking the public to share their thoughts or concerns by August 28, 2026. This process could affect local communities, the environment, and how clean energy flows, with decisions coming later this year.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Project Provides Flood Control and Drought Releases
The Ripogenus Project provides storage capacity (about 688,705 acre-feet usable storage and a 44-foot maximum drawdown) to reduce downstream flooding and to provide releases during droughts. This storage function could affect downstream communities along the West Branch of the Penobscot River in Maine.
Proposed Year‑Round 1,700 cfs Minimum Flow
The applicant proposes to provide a year-round minimum flow of 1,700 cubic feet per second (cfs) downstream of McKay Station to support aquatic habitat. This change applies to the West Branch of the Penobscot River near the Ripogenus Project in Maine.
Battery Storage and Transmission for Reliability
The project includes one battery energy storage site used to enhance system reliability, and generated power (from three units totaling 37.5 megawatts) is transmitted via a 29.4-mile-long transmission line. These facilities affect electricity generation and transmission tied to the Ripogenus Project.
Seasonal Flows for Whitewater Boating
GLHA proposes to provide seasonally-adjusted flows for whitewater boating and currently provides seasonally-variable flows through the McKay Station to provide boating opportunities. The project also releases 100 cfs into the bypassed section from July 1 through September 30 and 12 cfs the remainder of the year.
Habitat Enhancements and Conservation Buffers
GLHA will continue to operate and maintain the Holbrook side channel for Atlantic salmon and brook trout habitat, maintain a 200-foot conservation buffer and 100-foot vegetation buffer around the Ripogenus impoundment, and maintain Umbazooksus Lake as wetland and wildlife habitat.
Public Flow Data and USGS Gage Funding
GLHA proposes to fund installation, operation, and maintenance of a U.S. Geological Survey flow gage downstream of McKay Station (near Big Eddy) and to post impoundment level and flow information on Brookfield Renewable, N.A.'s SafeWaters website.
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