31st largest plant in Kentucky · 3178th nationally
Laurel Dam is a hydroelectric power plant in Kentucky with a nameplate capacity of 70.0 MW. It generates roughly 39.6k MWh per year — enough to power about 3,767 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 6% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Laurel Dam |
|---|---|
| Operator | Usce-Nashville District |
| City | London |
| County | Laurel County |
| State | Kentucky |
| ZIP | 40744 |
| Coordinates | 36.96140, -84.27000 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 70.0 MW | Operating | 1977 |
| NERC Region | SERC |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Pjm Interconnection, Llc |
Hydroelectric plants spin turbines using falling or flowing water — typically from a dam-impounded reservoir. They are dispatchable, long-lived, and emission-free at the point of generation, though large reservoirs can disrupt rivers and ecosystems and methane can be released from flooded vegetation.