In a bold move to advance renewable energy, the U.S. Department of Energy has earmarked $81 million for Rye Development to channel into its Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage project in Kentucky. As a leading developer based in West Palm Beach, Florida, Rye Development specializes in generating sustainable energy from run-of-river and pumped storage projects.
CleanTechnica Highlights Climate Change Friendly Energy Storage
The media outlet CleanTechnica recently spotlighted large battery-electric storage initiatives. However, closed-loop pumped storage hydropower, backed by findings from an NREL study, emerges as a more climate-resilient option with longer operational life compared to battery systems.
Inside the Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage Project
Sandy Slayton, Vice President at Rye Development, shed light on the Lewis Ridge initiative, disclosing its capacity to deliver 287 MW—powering approximately 67,000 homes—with a significant 2,296 MWh storage capability that can last up to eight hours.
Transforming Mined Land into Clean Energy Resources
Apart from representing a substantial investment in Kentucky, the transformation of a former mine site into the Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage Project showcases the revitalization of such lands into clean energy powerhouses.
The project, distinct in being a closed-loop system with two man-made reservoirs, ideally meets the success criteria for a pumped storage facility: suitable topography, proximity to transmission lines, water access, solid community support, and an existing infrastructure, including roads, owing to its mining past.
Economic and Employment Boost Through Sustainable Energy
With the construction phase set to create roughly 1,500 quality construction jobs over four to five years and about two dozen maintenance and operations positions subsequently, the project is poised to yield enduring economic benefits for Eastern Kentucky.
Pumped Hydro as a Flexible Peaker Plant Alternative
Rye Development anticipates that the Lewis Ridge facility will act as a versatile power source, akin to natural gas peaker plants, capable of swiftly transitioning from power storage to generation without emissions.
Boosting Grid Reliability and Support During Extreme Weather
The “giant water battery” that is the Lewis Ridge project will play a crucial role in grid reliability, providing on-demand electricity during critical times, such as extreme weather events, to ensure a stable energy supply.
Pumped Hydro: A Centennial Legacy of Renewable Energy
Illustrating a long-term investment, pumped storage hydropower facilities are heralded for their longevity, often surpassing a century, ensuring that the benefits endure through ensuing generations.
Engineering Specifications and Project Economics
The Lewis Ridge endeavor will employ two 143.5-MW reversible pump-turbines. While the approximated project cost stands at around $1.3 billion, construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 with operational status aimed for 2031 following necessary Federal Energy Regulatory Commission licensing.
Aided by the U.S. Department of Energy grant, part of the Bipartisan Inflation Reduction Act, Rye Development is now set to accelerate its preparatory studies and engineering feats required for proper licensing and overall development of the project.
