Can local, former coal mines be converted to hydroelectric facilities? [Video]

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Kentucky is moving forward with coal-to-hydropower facilities. The total project cost of a new facility in Bell County, Kentucky, is estimated to be $1.3 billion. As for the project itself, which is named the Lewis Ridge Project, the project was selected to receive an $81 million grant.

However, could such a facility be feasible in Western Kentucky?

Can western Kentucky get a hydroelectric facility like this in the future?

The short answer is “No.” Officials say the main reason is there is not enough elevation between the entrance and exit for a water source. There are hopes that the work that will go into the Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage Project will make something like this possible for more sites. It’s more likely that western Kentucky’s reclaimed mine sites could be used for other energy economic development projects.