GROUNDED PODCAST: Pump Up the Hydro!
On this episode of Grounded, we dive into the hot topic of energy storage, specifically- pumped-storage hydropower. Odoe’s own Rebecca Smith joins us, as well as Erik Steimle from Rye Development, for this fascinating and timely discussion.
Energy storage is a popular topic and pumped-storage hydropower could be a key technology is our growing renewable energy landscape. According to the Energy Information Administration, there are 43 pumped-storage projects operating in the United States and they provide nearly 2 percent of the capacity of the electrical supply system.
We kickoff the episode with Rebecca Smith, a senior energy policy analyst with the Oregon Department of Energy. Rebecca has been in the field of climate change abatement and renewable energy for over 14 years and earned her M.P.A. in Environmental Science and Policy at Columbia University SIPA.
Following Rebecca, Erik Steimle provides a boots-on-the-ground viewpoint as we discuss current pumped-storage hydropower projects. Erik has a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Southern Oregon University and is Rye Development’s Vice President of Project Development. His professional background includes more than 15 years of new hydropower development in the US.
Resources:
2020 Biennial Report Technology Review: Utility-Scale Storage
Energy.gov: What is Pumped-Storage Hydropower?
Goldendale Energy Storage Project
Youtube Video: Erik Steimle discussing pumped-hydro storage and the Goldendale project
Pumped-Hydro Storage Renewable Energy Goals, Popular Science (popsci.com)
Rendering of Goldendale project where you can see the lower (left) and upper (right) reservoirs, www.goldendaleenergystorage.com