Name of the Project
Gordon Butte pumped-storage hydroproject.
Location
The project will be located on private land in Meagher County, in Montana, in the US.
Project Owner/s
Absaroka Energy, through its subsidiary, GB Energy Park.
Project Description
The project entails the development of a new closed-loop 400 MW (3 × 134 MW) pumped-storage hydrofacility. The facility will provide ancillary and balancing capabilities for Montana’s emerging renewable-energy industry.
The hydro facility will comprise a reservoir at the top of Gordon Butte and a reservoir at the base, connected to another by an underground concrete and steel-lined penstock (large tunnel).
The topographical relief of the butte will result in an elevation difference of about 312 m from the upper to the lower reservoir.
The reservoirs will be of equal size at about 28 ha and lined to prevent seepage.
The penstock will terminate at a powerhouse built adjacent to the lower reservoir containing the pump/turbine units.
Gordon Butte will have a ternary configuration, which includes a Peltin turbine, a motor generator and a pump that are stacked on a steel shaft rotating in one direction. This configuration allows for very quick and flexible reaction times. Further, the powerhouse will feature a hydraulic short-circuit configuration – a hydraulic loop connecting the turbine and the pump.
Potential Job Creation
Not stated.
Capital Expenditure
Not stated.
Planned Start/End Date
Construction is expected to start in 2020.
Latest Developments
Absaroka Energy has entered into an agreement securing equity investment capital for the project from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), in Denmark.
With this investment, CIP will finalise the project development and act as the project’s long-term sponsor equity provider. The remainder of the capital will be determined before the start of construction.
Absaroka has secured the site and obtained water rights and permits, including receipt of a new major hydrolicence for the construction and operation of the facility from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Key Contracts and Suppliers
General Electric (pump and turbine equipment).
On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.
Contact Details for Project Information
Absaroka Energy president Carl Borgquist, tel +1 406 585 3006 or email carl@absarokaenergy.com.