Washington pumped hydro energy storage project

What is pumped storage hydropower?

Pumped storage hydropower is a method of storing energy by pumping water to a higher elevation during periods of lower demand and then releasing it to generate electricity when demand is high. Steimle explains that this method is often used to increase the efficiency of nuclear power plants, allowing them to run at a constant rate which is the most efficient way for them to operate.

Will Rye build a pumped-storage facility?

Rye is planning to construct a pumped-storage facility, called the Goldendale Energy Storage Project, which could be the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The project is intended to complement transitions to renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Where is the Goldendale pumped storage hydropower station located?

The Goldendale pumped storage hydropower station will be primarily located in Klickitat County, Washington, with a 681.6-acre site on private lands northeast of Portland and southwest of Kennewick, on the Columbia River, next to John Day Dam. The transmission line extends into Sherman County, Oregon.

Will a proposed hydropower facility near the Columbia River affect Yakama Nation?

The proposed hydropower facility near the Columbia River, which would have unavoidable impacts on a culturally significant site for the Yakama Nation, cleared one key regulatory hurdle this week. On Monday, the Washington state Department of Ecology issued a water quality certification for Boston-based Rye Development. This means the project moves one step closer to construction.

Should pumped storage be accepted?

“Pumped storage is a critical tool in facilitating our transition to clean energy but should have been rejected, according to Sept Gernez, acting director of the Washington State Sierra Club, due to the current siting of this project. The siting of this project reinforces the exploitation of our tribal neighbors.”

Will Goldendale energy storage project desecrate pushpum?

According to a draft environmental impact statement from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission this year, the Goldendale Energy Storage Project, which could be the largest facility of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, may desecrate Pushpum, an important food gathering area and sacred site for the Yakama Nation.