REA has developed a unique approach to pumped-storage hydroelectric power. Its plans include creating facilities that exclusively use renewable energy to pump ground water from abandoned and flooded coal mines. FERC was able to issue a favorable order because REA's unique design uses no surface or otherwise navigable waters.
“REA's efforts will benefit host communities in important ways beyond providing renewable power,” said company president Adam Rousselle.
The company expects that site development and operation will create quality jobs in areas that may be economically depressed due to the closure of the now-abandoned and flooded mines.
An added benefit, according to the company, is the highly polluted mine water will be diverted from watersheds and purified before it can be used in the pumped-storage reservoirs and run through generators.
“Each of REA's projects will offer unique value to renewable generation developers. This is true because they will create a 24/7 market demand for renewable generation,” Rouselle concluded.
