PUMPED STORAGE HYDRO

Large water reservoir with curved concrete walls under a blue sky with few clouds.

As we continue to integrate significant amounts of renewable energy into the grid, we have to solve the energy storage problem in a big way.

Pumped storage hydro helps keep the power grid stable, can quickly restart parts of the grid during a power outage, and can go from completely off to full power in just 90 seconds.

Diagram showing how pumped storage hydro works, with water flowing from upper to lower basin, powering a turbine and motor-generator, and storing energy for power generation.

rPlus Energies is working to expand pumped storage contribution to grid resilience and reliability.

Pumped storage hydro plants store energy and generate power by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations. Over and over again.

Once built, pumped storage hydro plants have an unmatched operational lifespan of more than 75 years. While pumped storage has been in use for nearly a century, almost no pumped storage hydro plants have yet reached retirement.  As the demand for energy in the U.S. increases, pumped storage can store and deliver renewable energy to the grid for the next century.

With up to ten hours of full-capacity storage, the plants can provide power during peak load periods.

SEMINOE PUMPED STORAGE

Project Highlight

THE MODERN ENERGY HUB FOR WYOMING WIND ENERGY

THE MODERN ENERGY HUB FOR WYOMING WIND ENERGY

The project will bring substantial economic benefits to the local community and will serve as an important element of Wyoming’s modernized and reliable energy infrastructure.

Infographic with blue text on a black background detailing the benefits of a project in 2032, including target operation date, 12 hours of peak electricity storage, $8-9 million in annual state tax revenue, 300 to 500 construction jobs over five years, and over 30 full-time jobs emphasizing good pay and local economic impact.

Related Press

Dam with mountains in the background, a blue sky, and text overlay about hydroelectric project and funding in Wyoming.
Aerial view of rugged hills and a large water reservoir with a small island. Overlaid text reads 'CLICK HERE TO READ MORE' at the top and 'RPLUS Hydro reaches major milestone on its 900-megawatt Seminoe pumped storage project, January 2023' at the bottom.

WHITE PINE PUMPED STORAGE

Project Highlight

THE MODERN ENERGY HUB OF THE BASIN AND RANGE

THE MODERN ENERGY HUB OF THE BASIN AND RANGE

This multibillion-dollar energy storage project could power 1/8 of Nevada’s peak electricity demand. Reliable, fast, and built to support the grid when it matters most.

Infographic about energy storage investment and jobs, including $2.8 billion investment, target operation in 2033, stores 8 hours of peak electricity demand, 500-600 construction jobs over 5 years, and 35 plus full-time positions.

Related Press

Desert landscape with leafless bushes in foreground, sparse green trees, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky.
Two men in safety vests and hard hats standing in a dry, mountainous landscape, with one pointing toward the mountains, under a clear blue sky. A white rectangular overlay contains the logo for The Nevada Independent and the title 'Opinion: Pumped Storage Project Builds a Brighter Future for White Pine County, March 2024.'
A yellow excavator digging into the ground in a rural landscape with mountains in the background.
Cover of a report titled "S&P Global Market Intelligence" featuring a dam and reservoir with dry, brown hills in the background, and the headline "US Energy Transition, Tax Credits Open Window for Pumped Hydro," dated March 2023.