Overview
Fairfield Pumped Storage is a 587 MW hydroelectric power plant in South Carolina, United States. Operated by Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc, it provides grid-scale energy storage and generation.
Fairfield Pumped Storage is a hydroelectric power plant located in South Carolina, United States, with a capacity of 587 MW. The facility is owned and operated by Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc and is currently operational. As a pumped storage plant, it plays a critical role in balancing the electrical grid by storing energy during low demand and generating during peak periods. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States, which includes the Clean Air Act and state-level environmental regulations. Hydroelectric power is a low-emission energy source, and pumped storage facilities are essential for integrating intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar into the grid. The technology involves pumping water to an upper reservoir during off-peak hours and releasing it through turbines to generate electricity when demand is high. Fairfield Pumped Storage contributes to the reliability and stability of the regional power grid in South Carolina. By providing rapid response to fluctuations in electricity demand, it supports the integration of renewable energy and reduces reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants. The facility's capacity of 587 MW places it in the large-scale category for pumped storage plants in the United States.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric pumped storage plants like Fairfield have a low direct carbon footprint but can impact local aquatic ecosystems through water level fluctuations and changes in flow regimes. The facility is located in a region with diverse wildlife, and its operations are subject to environmental regulations to minimize ecological disruption. The use of pumped storage supports grid stability and enables higher penetration of renewable energy sources, contributing to broader climate goals.
Frequently asked questions
Fairfield Pumped Storage is located in South Carolina, United States, near coordinates 34.3061 N, -81.3308 W.
The facility has a capacity of 587 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale pumped storage hydroelectric plant.
The plant is owned and operated by Dominion Energy South Carolina Inc, a major utility company in the region.
Pumped storage plants like Fairfield provide grid stability and enable integration of renewable energy sources. They have low direct emissions and help reduce reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants.
As a hydroelectric facility, it operates under the Clean Water Act and state-level environmental permits. It must manage water quality and aquatic habitat impacts, and its operations are subject to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversight.