Overview
Blue Summit Storage LLC operates a 30 MW pumped hydro storage facility in the United States. The plant provides grid-scale energy storage for peak shaving and frequency regulation.
Blue Summit Storage LLC is a pumped hydro storage facility located in the United States, with coordinates 34.299, -99.399. The plant has a capacity of 30 MW, placing it in the small-to-medium scale range for pumped hydro storage. It is currently operational and owned by Blue Summit Storage LLC. Pumped hydro storage is the most mature energy storage technology, using two water reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate electricity. The facility's 30 MW capacity allows it to support grid stability by providing rapid response to demand fluctuations. In the United States, pumped hydro accounts for the majority of utility-scale storage capacity, and facilities like this one are subject to federal and state regulations including dam safety requirements and environmental impact assessments. The plant's location in a region with suitable topography and water resources enables efficient energy storage. By storing excess energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak demand, Blue Summit Storage helps integrate renewable energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants. This contributes to grid resilience and supports the transition to a cleaner energy mix.
Environmental context
Pumped hydro storage facilities like Blue Summit Storage rely on two reservoirs, which can alter local hydrology and ecosystems. The construction and operation of such plants require careful management of water levels and flow rates to minimize impacts on aquatic habitats. Additionally, the facility's location in a region with variable climate conditions may affect water availability and operational efficiency. Proper siting and environmental mitigation measures are essential to balance energy storage benefits with ecological preservation.
Frequently asked questions
Blue Summit Storage LLC is located in the United States at coordinates 34.299, -99.399.
The facility has a capacity of 30 MW, making it a small-to-medium scale pumped hydro storage plant.
It uses pumped hydro storage technology, which stores energy by pumping water to an upper reservoir and generates electricity by releasing it through turbines.
Pumped hydro facilities are regulated under federal and state laws, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) licensing for hydropower projects and environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
It provides grid services such as peak shaving, frequency regulation, and renewable energy integration, enhancing grid reliability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.