Pumped storage facilities rely on gravity to produce energy. The system moves water between a lower reservoir and an upper reservoir. When energy from the grid is plentiful, this excess energy is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. Then, when demand for power is high, water is released from the upper reservoir and used to turn hydroelectric turbines to generate on-demand electricity.

The system is filled with water once, and then re-uses that water, over and over. It repeats the cycle, continually storing and dispatching on-demand energy.

No. Pumped storage hydro facilities have been in use for more than a century, and are a well-established form of energy storage around the world. According to the 2023 US Hydropower Market Report, there are more than 40 pumped storage projects currently operating in the U.S.

Pumped storage facilities are the most common form of energy storage in the US, representing the vast majority of all utility scale storage according to the US Dept. of Energy. Pumped storage is a proven, available technology that helps safeguard our electrical grid against blackouts, extreme weather events, and other potential crises that can disrupt the economy and our way of life.

Rye Development is advancing America’s next generation of pumped storage hydropower, the largest and most proven form of energy storage. Rye is a partnership between EDF power solutions and Climate Adaptive Infrastructure—two global leaders in utility-scale energy storage. We’re advancing the world’s most dependable energy storage technology with unmatched hydropower expertise, capital strength, and a proven track record of development success.

Rye Development has demonstrated expertise in studying and navigating the FERC licensing process and developing meaningful community partnerships. The company has several pumped storage hydropower projects in development across the United States, including the Goldendale Energy Storage Project in Washington State and the Swan Lake Energy Storage Project in Oregon. The company also develops conventional run-of-river hydropower facilities.

Southeastern Kentucky has delivered affordable and reliable electricity to the people and businesses in the region for a long time. The state’s largest utilities—LG&E and KU—are forecasting energy demand to increase 30% to 45% by 2032 compared to 2024, largely driven by data centers and manufacturing.

Pumped storage offers a reliable and flexible energy source that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. And, pumped storage projects like Lewis Ridge last for more than 100 years, helping ensure energy prices remain stable and affordable for generations to come.

The Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage Project, proposed at the site of a former coal mine, has all the criteria needed for a successful pumped storage solution. This includes topography and elevation, access to transmission lines, water availability, and an entrepreneurial landowner — all critical and unique factors that are required for a viable pumped storage location.

The Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage project meets all of these conditions, and is located entirely on private land that has long played a proud role in Eastern Kentucky’s energy industry.

The Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage Project is expected to create more than 2,300 family-wage jobs and apprenticeship opportunities over its 4-year construction period, in addition to more than 45 operational jobs. Electricians, laborers, and heavy machinery operators are among the high-paying workers who will be employed by the project.

By partnering with Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) and other organizations, Rye Development plans to hire and train workers locally.

In addition to spurring job growth, the project is poised to deliver substantial economic benefits to the local community—both during construction and for decades to come. A recent economic analysis estimates the Lewis Ridge project will inject $104 million into the local economy during construction, benefiting local restaurants, hotels, stores and other businesses. Once completed, the pumped storage hydro facility will contribute about $16.5 million in annual property taxes to Bell County—funding schools, police and fire departments, roads, playgrounds, libraries and other community needs.

The project would provide 8 hours of energy storage daily. It can complete one full cycle a day (it takes about 10 hours to pump water uphill and takes about 8 hours to discharge).

The project is located on private lands primarily owned by Asher Land and Mineral.

The proposed site of the Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage Project is suitable for re-development. No additional clean-up of the site is required.