Current Project Description
The 184 MW, 1,840 MWh Old Forge Pumped Storage Project
Old Forge is a closed-loop pumped-storage project in Northeast Pennsylvania with two ternary units, 184 MW of generation, and 1,840 MWh of generation energy. The same facility can be dispatched from 1 MW through 184 MW and is being advanced alongside REA's Old Forge Borehole Water-Recovery Program.
3-D Project Walk-Through and Powerhouse Review — watch on YouTube
Project Components
Project Components
The current project description includes an upper reservoir, a lower reservoir, water-conveyance facilities, gatehouses and intakes, penstocks, an underground or subsurface powerhouse concept, two approximately 92 MW ternary units, electrical and control systems, a project substation, and a proposed primary interconnection. Final locations, dimensions, alignments, materials, operating limits, construction methods, interconnection facilities, and environmental-protection measures remain subject to licensing, current field information, engineering, agency review, property rights, interconnection work, and financing.
Upper reservoir
Stores water at the higher project elevation
Lower reservoir
Receives water during generation and supplies water during pumping
Two ternary units
Separate pump and turbine components connected to a motor-generator shaft line
Water conveyance
Gatehouses, intakes, penstocks, valves, and related hydraulic facilities
Powerhouse and controls
Mechanical, electrical, automation, protection, monitoring, and operating systems
Interconnection
Substation and transmission facilities subject to PJM, PPL, FERC, and other applicable review
Reservoir Concepts
How the Closed-Loop Cycle Works
How the Closed-Loop Cycle Works
During charging, previously supplied electricity powers the pumps and moves water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir. During generation, water returns through the turbines to deliver electricity when it is needed. Old Forge stores energy for later use; its contribution is controllable timing, output, and duration. The cycle recirculates project water, with reservoir filling, makeup water, treatment, and permitted discharge addressed through the water-management program.
The project is described as closed-loop because its normal storage cycle is between project reservoirs rather than generation through an existing natural river channel. That description does not eliminate the need to study groundwater, wetlands, streams, stormwater, construction water, Borehole water, discharge pathways, reservoir seepage, and cumulative effects.
Current Development Status
Current Development Status
REA is advancing the project through the FERC licensing process, technical studies, environmental review, community consultation, property and route work, PJM and PPL processes, commercial diligence, and financing development.
The project is working through the applicable FERC authorization, federal and state approvals, water and environmental permits, interconnection arrangements, property rights, final engineering, financing, contracting, and satisfaction of other legal requirements.
Project Scope
Project Scope
Old Forge is FERC Project No. P-15411 — a proposed 184 MW, 1,840 MWh closed-loop pumped-storage facility and Borehole water-recovery program in Northeast Pennsylvania.
Any separately sponsored customer or associated development must be identified by its own sponsor, location, ownership, load or generation profile, water demand, interconnection, permits, local approvals, and community commitments.
Facts, Studies, and Open Questions
Facts, Studies, and Open Questions
The project has substantial completed work, including preliminary design, geotechnical field investigation, equipment evaluation, environmental field work, permitting consultation, interconnection studies, and project scheduling.
The project record is organized by discipline, date, and organization. Public documents and supporting-information request options are available through FERC & Public Documents.