Pennsylvania State University
IN-24: Innovation A

The Mahoning Creek Hydroelectic Facility - a certified low-impact plant, built using existing infrastructure in Pennsylvania - now supplies Penn State with about 8 percent of its energy needs. The project began in 2012, when Enduring Hydro LLC approached Penn State to commit to a 10-year power purchase agreement. In exchange, the partnership would allow Penn State to support renewable energy production, reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and its energy costs, and provide educational opportunities for its students. Enduro Hydro will hire up to 5 student interns each year over the course of the partnership. Mahoning Creek Dam was originally built in 1941 by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control project. Although the design included a conduit that would allow the dam to be used to produce hydropower, that element of the project was never completed due to World War II. Decades later Enduring Hydro LLC, with Penn State's support, was able to follow through with the original plan of a functioning hydroelectric facility at Mahoning Creek Dam. The plant began commercial operations in December 2013 and continues to supply a portion of Penn State's electricity needs. Full details of this project did not become available until later in 2014 (see link to news article below).