WSU Energy Program Pumped Storage Hydropower Siting Information Study

Washington State University Energy Program invites Washington state Tribes and stakeholders such as local governments, land use and environmental organizations, and other interested parties to participate in a process to share their issues and interests about the siting of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) in the state. The study focuses on closed-loop PSH, a clean energy storage method consisting of two water reservoirs at different elevations. When energy is needed, water flows down to the lower reservoir through turbines, generating electricity for the grid. Water is pumped back up to the upper reservoir when excess energy is available. The Washington State Legislature directed the WSU Energy Program to conduct the information study on PSH siting in the clean energy siting bill, 2023 Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1216 (Section 306). The final report is due June 30, 2025. Our meetings and webinars will take place through fall 2025. Visit the website to read more and to sign up for our email list. Contact Project Lead, Karen Janowitz at janowitzk@energy.wsu.edu for more information. Please spread the word!