HYDRO POWER.

Abstract

The Kerckhoff 2 hydroelectric power plant, located about 30 miles northest of Fresno, California, adds 140 Mw (nameplate capacity) to the capacity of the Pacific Gas and Electric system. Situated on the San Joaquin River, the new plant did not need a dam - only a four mile tunnel and powerhouse. The intake structure for the new plant had to be constructed in the existing Kerckhoff reservoir without lowering the water level and losing the power production of the existing Kerckhoff 1 powerplant and several upstream powerplants. The four mile long tunnel was excavated by a custom-built boring machine designed by the Robbins Company. The tunnel, excavated through hard granitic rock, was left with walls so smooth that a concrete lining was not needed.