Power boost explored for Don Pedro (Off-channel pumped hydro proposed downstream of Hetch Hetchy)

[XemaSab]

Since the 1920s, the downhill flow of the Tuolumne River has produced electricity for the Modesto and Turlock irrigation districts.

Nine decades later, they are looking at a way to pump some of the water back up, all in the name of enhancing the grid.

The concept, known as pumped storage, involves using cheap power from elsewhere at times of low demand to pump water from Don Pedro Reservoir to a new, higher lake near Moccasin in western Tuolumne County.

This water would be released through a new powerhouse during peak demand, mainly summer afternoons and evenings.


Read more: http://www.modbee.com/2010/07/23/1263957/power-boost-explored-for-don-pedro.html#ixzz0uWKWGPjh

[denverbill]

1. I've heard of using that also as a way to 'store' solar power.

Never would have considered using is as a way to cut costs though.