rPlus Hydro, LLLP has submitted its Final License Application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the 1000MW White Pine pumped storage project in Nevada, US. The White Pine Pumped Storage project is the second rPlus Hydro project to reach this milestone this year, after the company submitted the application for its 900MW Seminoe pumped storage project back In January.
White Pine, which is expected to be Nevada’s first pumped storage project, will provide 8 hours of energy storage at its full output of 1000MW. It is also expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the local community and will serve as an essential component of the region’s modernized and reliable energy infrastructure. The project represents more than a $2.5 billion investment in Nevada’s energy infrastructure and will support Nevada’s move towards the clean energy goals adopted by its legislators and approved by its voters.
“White Pine is located at an important crossroads of existing, planned, and proposed electric transmission in Nevada,” said Matthew Shapiro, rPlus Hydro CEO. “From this location, the project would help the state meet peak power needs in its northern and southern load areas, and help stabilize the grid, while making the most effective use of renewable energy sources. With planned third-party transmission build-outs, the White Pine project will sit at the intersection of regional energy markets. It’s hard to imagine a more strategic location for this project.”
“We welcome the opportunity that White Pine Pumped Storage brings to further diversify our economic base and work force,” added White Pine County Commission Chairman Shane Bybee. “This is a key milestone in the project’s progression and demonstrates that rPlus Hydro is committed to our community and the ultimate success of this development.”
The project’s multi-year construction phase will create up to 500 construction jobs. Once operational, the plant will bring more than 35 new full-time, skilled positions to the area, and provide an estimated $12 million in additional annual tax revenue for state and local governments.
FERC will now begin an environmental review and licensing process for the project with local, state, and federal agencies. Construction could start as early as 2025.
