The US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has authorised the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to rehabilitate the four generating units at Blenheim-Gilboa pumped storage project, increasing its generating capacity by 160MW.
Located on Schohaire Creek in Schohaire County, New York, the Blenheim-Gilboa project currently features four turbines with an output of 250MW each. The rehabilitation scheme will increase each turbine’s capacity to 290MW.
‘This is a win-win for NYPA and the state’s consumers,’ said FERC Chairman Joseph T. Kelliher. ‘It will provide more efficient use of an existing resource to provide 160MW of emission-free electricity during periods of peak demand, which will contribute to the operational flexibility of the New York Independent System Operator.’
NYPA states the modifications would increase the generating efficiency by about 7%, and would enhance the flexibility of the plant to meet peak power demand. As part of the license amendment application, the licensee included a new water quality certificate from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.