Overview
Willey Battery Utility is a 6 MW pumped hydro storage facility in the United States, operated by Willey Battery Utility LLC. It provides grid-scale energy storage services.
Willey Battery Utility is a pumped hydro storage facility located in the United States, with coordinates 39.287700, -84.680300. The plant is owned and operated by Willey Battery Utility LLC and has an operational status. With a capacity of 6 MW, it falls into the small-scale category for pumped hydro storage, which typically ranges from tens to hundreds of megawatts. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes standards such as NFPA 855 for energy storage system safety and UL 9540/UL 9540A for battery system safety and testing. Pumped hydro storage generally uses water reservoirs at different elevations to store and generate electricity, offering long-duration energy storage and grid stability benefits. Willey Battery Utility contributes to the local grid by providing peak shaving and frequency regulation services. Its location in the Midwest region supports integration of renewable energy sources and enhances grid resilience. The facility's small scale suggests it may serve a local community or industrial application, reducing reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants.
Environmental context
Pumped hydro storage facilities like Willey Battery Utility involve water management and can impact local hydrology. The facility's location in the United States requires compliance with environmental regulations such as the Clean Water Act. While pumped hydro is generally considered low-emission, construction and operation may affect aquatic ecosystems. The facility's small scale likely minimizes environmental footprint, but siting near populated areas requires careful safety planning to mitigate any risks.
Frequently asked questions
Willey Battery Utility is located in the United States at coordinates 39.287700, -84.680300, likely in the Midwest region.
Willey Battery Utility uses pumped hydro storage, which stores energy by pumping water to an elevated reservoir and releases it through turbines to generate electricity.
Willey Battery Utility has a capacity of 6 MW, making it a small-scale pumped hydro storage facility.
Pumped hydro storage in the US is subject to safety standards like NFPA 855 for energy storage systems and UL 9540/9540A for battery systems, though pumped hydro has different risk profiles than lithium-ion batteries.
Pumped hydro storage provides grid services such as peak shaving, frequency regulation, and renewable energy integration, helping to balance supply and demand.