Work at the Cataract Hydroelectric Power Plant was completed by Kiser Hydro in Norway.

NORWAY — After one full year of operation, the Cataract Hydroelectric Power Plant on the Escanaba River near Gwinn is running more efficiently than ever, according to an announcement from Tom Berutti, president and CEO of Harris Energy Group. Bill Harris, founder of Harris Energy Group, saw great potential at the Cataract Hydroelectric Power Plant and set out to restore it and make it productive again after being out of service for nearly a decade. Harris Energy Group includes both Renewable World Energies and Kiser Hydro in Norway. The Cataract Hydroelectric Power Plant originally was built in 1929 by the Cleveland Cliffs Mining Co. and provided energy for their mining operations. Renewable World Energies LLC purchased the project in 2012 and completed restoration of the aging facility in 2015. RWE is a leading independent hydroelectric power producer in the Midwest and they are actively involved in the operation and maintenance of 20 hydroelectric stations in this region while providing products and services to hydroelectric owners worldwide. Kiser Hydro constructed 1,500 feet of penstock and redesigned the turbine, replacing the Francis runner with a six-blade Kaplan. These upgrades allowed the project to operate more efficiently, almost doubling annual energy production. Other major upgrades included repairs to the surge tank, dam, spillway, intake structure, electrical controls and switch gear. The Cataract Hydroelectric Power Plant, now produces enough electricity to provide clean, carbon free, non-polluting energy to approximately 1,000 homes in the Gwinn area. Kiser Hydro has the ability to engineer, design, manufacture and repair hydroelectric equipment in Norway, and serves independent power producers and public utilities across North America. One thousand acres of forest land and 5 miles of scenic Escanaba River shoreline are open to the public for hunting, fishing and recreation. A public boat landing is provided for access to the river basin. RWE also maintains wildlife food plots and contributes annually to the DNR’s restocking of the Escanaba River fishery. Hydroelectric plants are the dominant source of renewable power worldwide. RWE continues to acquire hydroelectric power plants from private companies, individuals and utilities with a goal of producing clean, renewable energy for generations to come.