In essence, the power plant functions like a huge battery, storing excess power until it is needed.
It was among the largest such projects when it was built.
Construction of the Taum Sauk plant began in 1960 and operation began in 1963.
The two original reversible pump-turbine units were each capable of generating 175 megawatts of power.
They were upgraded in 1999 to units capable of 225 megawatts each.
The plant returned to service after a gap of four years.
At the entrance gate there was also a museum highlighting the natural history of Missouri.
The upper reservoir after the parameter breach.Photo credit
Aerial photos showing upper reservoir before and after failure.
More pictures of the broken reservoir at thisWikipedia page.
