Renewable

January 5 (Renewables Now) - US hydroper developer Rye Development on Tuesday said it has started development of a pumped storage project in Kentucky that will be able to provide more than 200 MW for eight hours.

The Lewis Ridge closed loop pumped hydropower storage project is located next to the Cumberland River, in Bell County. It will be built on a former coal strip mine in an active coal mining area.

The developer said it has applied for a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) permit for the scheme.

The company noted the long-duration energy storage project will support jobs and economic activity in coal communities and contribute to the integration of wind and solar. It estimates the project will bring almost USD 1 billion (EUR 887m) of investment to the county.

"The Lewis Ridge project marks a significant step forward in the push toward a more renewable energy grid," said chief executive Paul Jacob.

The project site benefits from favourable topography and proximity to transmission infrastructure, according to the announcement.

(USD 1.0 = EUR 0.887)

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