Massive Energy Storage Project Greenlit For Brownfield

The article highlights the approval of the Goldendale Energy Storage Project in Washington State, a 1.2-gigawatt pumped hydro facility developed by Rye Development. This project, licensed for 40 years, repurposes a brownfield site—the former Columbia Gorge Aluminum smelter—and leverages existing infrastructure, including roads and transmission lines linked to the nearby Tuolumne Wind Farm. Designed as a closed-loop system, the facility will provide 12 hours of zero-emission electricity storage, addressing the region’s anticipated 30% increase in electricity demand over the next decade. The project is expected to create 3,000 construction jobs over 3-5 years and contribute $10 million annually to local county revenues for schools and civic infrastructure. Pumped hydro remains the dominant form of utility-scale energy storage in the U.S., accounting for about 95% of capacity, due to its proven technology, relatively quick construction timelines, and environmental advantages compared to other storage types. The U.S