Massive move marks century of energy at Keokuk

Donated turbine runners displayed in Iowa and Illinois

More than 100 years after they first began generating electricity on the Mississippi River, two Ameren Missouri turbine runners are headed for a second act. In November, Ameren donated the historical equipment to the cities of Keokuk, Iowa, and Hamilton, Illinois, for public display.

At the heart of a turbine is its runner — flowing water spins its blades, allowing it to convert energy into electricity. Manufactured by I.P. Morris in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the donated runners are two of the original 15 turbine runners from when the Keokuk-Hamilton hydroelectric dam began operations in 1913. Beginning in the early 2000s, Ameren started the process of replacing the turbines at the Keokuk Energy Center.

A giant crane installs one of the 90-ton-runners for display in Keokuk, Iowa.

"Those two runners are a part of our company's history," said Travis Hart, director of hydroelectric operations with Ameren Missouri. "From the moment they were installed at the Keokuk Energy Center, these runners have played a vital role in providing reliable electricity for our customers. By putting them on display, I hope people can develop an appreciation for these important pieces of equipment and their work as a part of our generation fleet."

Getting these turbine runners to their new homes was no easy task—each weighs about 90 tons. Crews used a large crane to place one runner on special stands near Wildcat Springs Park in Hamilton. The other is on display at Estes Park in Keokuk, across the street from the Keokuk-Hamilton Dam Museum. The new displays serve as a reminder of the important role these communities play in supporting reliable, hydroelectric energy for Ameren customers. For more information on the Keokuk Energy Center, please visit ameren.com/missouri/company/environment-and-sustainability/hydroelectric/keokuk.