Federal Register #P15425

FERC Seeks Input and Competing Applications for Bluff Spur Pumped Storage Project Permit

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), part of the Department of Energy, is seeking public input and potential competing applications for a preliminary permit related to the Bluff Spur Energy Storage Project in Wise County, Virginia. - Government Buyer: - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Department of Energy - OEMs and Vendors: - Bluff Spur Pumped Storage, LLC (applicant and project proponent) - Products/Services Requested: - Feasibility study for a pumped storage hydroelectric project - Construction of a new upper reservoir (70 acres, 2,400 acre-feet) - Construction of a lower reservoir (70 acres, 2,400 acre-feet) - 1,140-foot-long earthen dam - 15-foot-diameter, 5,000-foot-long tunnel - Powerhouse (100-foot-diameter) with two turbine-generator units (total 300 MW) - 3.4-mile, 161-kilovolt transmission line - Appurtenant facilities for project operation - Unique/Notable Requirements: - The preliminary permit grants priority to file a license application but does not authorize construction, land-disturbing activities, or entry onto private lands without permission - Project aims for annual generation of 840 gigawatt-hours - Public comments, motions to intervene, and competing applications are solicited

Description

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has accepted the preliminary permit application filed by Bluff Spur Pumped Storage, LLC to study the feasibility of the Bluff Spur Energy Storage Project in Wise County, Virginia. The project includes constructing upper and lower reservoirs, a tunnel, a powerhouse with two turbine-generator units totaling 300 megawatts, a transmission line, and appurtenant facilities. The project aims to generate 840 gigawatt-hours annually. Comments, motions to intervene, and competing applications are solicited by August 17, 2026.

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