Montana power storage project gets positive review from feds

BILLINGS – A central Montana power storage project that would act as a giant battery to supplement electricity from wind turbines and other sources has received a favorable review from federal regulators.

Absaroka Energy President Carl Borgquist said Thursday that the Bozeman company hopes to obtain a license for its Gordon Butte Project early next year.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently concluded that the 400-megawatt project would not have a significant environmental impact.

It would be constructed on a 177-acre site near Martinsdale for roughly $1 billion.

Excess power produced by wind farms or other sources would be used to pump water uphill to a reservoir. During times of peak consumer demand or when the wind stops blowing, the water would be released to turn hydropower turbines and keep electricity flowing.