LOCKHART — Events in Lockhart and Pacolet gave local residents a close-up look at the production of green energy in action.
Lockhart Power held open houses in Lockhart and Pacolet on Thursday, hosting tours of new minimum-flow hydro turbines in each town.
Lockhart Power Senior Electronic Specialist Cyle Coker said the turbine in Lockhart is an 800-kilowatt generator which will power around 400 homes. The turbine — located on the site of the old Lockhart Mill beside the old smokestack — started generating power on Jan. 1.
Pacolet’s 1,100-kilowatt turbine, which is located on the Pacolet River just upstream from the State Road 150 bridge, started generating power February 11 and will generate enough power for all of the company’s customers in Pacolet.
Each turbine generates hydroelectric renewable energy without consumption of any other fuel source, which means there are no emissions associated with the power being generated.
“It’s great to make green energy,” said Pacolet Milliken Enterprises project manager Stewart Winslow. “This is water that has to go through here to keep water in this part of the river. Now we are harnessing that energy.”
Lockhart Mayor Ailene Ashe said she is delighted to see such progress.
“This looks like progress for Lockhart, and I’m always happy to see that happen,” Ashe said. “We need progress, and I look forward to a continued partnership with Lockhart Power.”
Lockhart Power will offer tours of the facilities by request from interested local schools and other groups.
For more information about the facilities or to schedule a tour, call Lockhart Power at (864) 545-2211.
Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@civitasmedia.com.
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