Hydro
Hydroelectric power using the force of water to convert this energy into electricity is a clean source of energy. This can be done using run-of-the-river systems, where the force of the river's current applies pressure on a turbine or through the use of storage systems, where water accumulates in reservoirs created by dams on streams and rivers or in off-channel, closed loop systems and is released through hydro turbines as needed to generate electricity.
Pumped-storage hydropower facilities are a type of hydroelectric storage system. Water is pumped from a water source, which can be an off-channel reservoir, up to a storage reservoir at a higher elevation and is released from the upper reservoir to power hydro turbines located below the upper reservoir. They usually pump water to storage when electricity demand and generation costs, and/or when wholesale electricity prices are relatively low and release the stored water to generate electricity during peak electricity demand periods when wholesale electricity prices are relatively high.
Hydroelectric energy continues to provide clean, reliable but limited power to customers. Most hydroelectric energy is generated in the Western United States. While there is limited capacity for developing new traditional projects, pumped storage opportunities continue to make economic sense in certain markets.
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Our team has experience in developing hydroelectric projects and continues to work on a potential large-scale pumped storage project. In the event a hydroelectric solution is determined as a solution to meet customers needs, our team is familiar with the permitting and possible financing options available.
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RG&E is familiar with leading manufacturers of technology in this sector and is confident we can deploy the most advanced and efficient solutions for our customer.
