Diamond Mills Dam Retrofit Project - US Department of Energy Hydropower Collegiate Competition

Project associated with the US Department of Energy Hydropower Collegiate Competition (Finalist). The Columbia Hydropower Collective developed a proposal to convert the non-powered Diamond Mills Dam into a 1.18 MW hydroelectric facility. This site was selected after evaluating several dams in New York, choosing it for its feasibility, lower hazard location, and supportive community. The retrofit includes installing turbines, a new water conveyance system and aims to enhance local energy independence while respecting ecological and social frameworks. This project included comprehensive technical designs, feasibility studies, and a sustainability and risk assessment framework to address possible challenges and mitigation strategies.