HAWAII TO PUMP 300 MW STORAGE

300 MW Energy-Storage Project Planned For Hawaii
16 December 2010 (Renew Grid)

"Gridflex Energy LLC, a developer of bulk energy-storage projects for renewable energy, has proposed a pumped-storage hydroelectric project that would use the ocean as the lower of two reservoirs. The 300 MW project, called the Lanai Pumped Storage Project, is intended to provide the Hawaiian electric grid with a way to absorb a planned 400 MW of wind power on a grid that only has about 1,200 MW of peak demand."

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"For most pumped-storage projects, two reservoirs are constructed. During times when energy is in lower demand, wind energy can be used to pump water uphill. When power is needed during high-demand periods, the water is released through turbines. The Lanai Pumped Storage Project would use the ocean as its lower reservoir. Design features would be put into place to ensure a watertight upper reservoir, corrosion resistance for equipment and protection of marine organisms, Gridflex explains…"