Eagle Mountain Project Pumped Hydro Capacity (MW): 1,300.00 Status: Project Suspended Locations: Desert Center, California, USA Desert Center, Riverside County, California, USA

Description:

Eagle Mountain Mine was operated by Kaiser Steel Corporation from 1948 to 1982 for the mining and concentrating of iron ore through excavation of four open pits located on land. Eagle Crest Energy obtained exclusive rights to study the site for development of a hydroelectric project from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Using open mind hits as reservoirs, the Eagle Mountain Pumped Storage Project will store water in an upper reservoir for later release through an underground power plant to the lower reservoir, generating electricity during peak hours when it is needed most. The Eagle Mountain Pumped Storage Project will utilize four 325 MW reversible hydroelectric turbines to provide 1300 MW of firm, stable, and dispatchable power when needed. It will provide electricity during the peak electrical demand periods, unexpected generation outages, and help correct and balances in the southwestern grid. Through its ability to store the off-peak energy produced by windmills, solar panels, and baseload nuclear and fossil fuel plants, this single project can accomplish the equivalent of many smaller peak-energy projects. This project will also help make renewable wind and solar projects fully integrated, reliable generation sources

Analyst Notes: