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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Backers pursuing energy-storage project along Columbia River

Associated Press

GOLDENDALE, Wash. – Two major developers are pursuing efforts to build an energy storage project along the Columbia River in Washington state.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reported the project aims to use excess power generated by wind turbines to pump water from a lower reservoir along the Columbia River to an upper reservoir. Water is later released through turbines when power is needed.

The project would be located in Goldendale near the John Day Dam.

In March, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a new preliminary permit to Rye Development and National Grid to study the feasibility of the project. They’re working with the Klickitat PUD, which previously received preliminary permits to study and develop a similar project.

The two backers are also developing another pump hydro project near Klamath Falls, Oregon.