PUB00037

• Year: 1988
• Title: Colorado Joint Planning Study Economic Potential of Pumped Storage
• CWCB Section: Interstate & Federal
• Author: Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority
• Description: Assessment of whether pumped storage facilities are economically attractive to Colorado utilities
• Publications - Doc Type: Water Resource Studies

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pumped storage of 25 MW to 100 MW as early as 1993 for the three load scenarios;
however, it was assumed that this would be met by inter-utility purchases and sales.
Since different increments of pumped storage may be added depending on the size of
the utility, the scheduling of pumped storage capacity would be different once a
specific site was chosen, due to varying pumped storage capability from site to site.

It was also determined that pumped storage may be feasible for a wide range of costs
(from $500 per kW to $1,480 per kW in 1988 dollars) depending on the utility system.
For some systems pumped storage was not feasible during the study period because
there was already enough existing capacity in the system; or the pumped storage unit
was not competitive with the other resources that were available.

The study results disclosed that the outcome (statewide expansion plan) was sensitive
to price projections especially in the interrelationships of the major fuels (coal, natural
gas and oil). The fixed charge rates applied to the various resources, especially
pumped storage, could also have important impacts on the results.

The study, as initially structured, would have been the first phase of a multiphase effort
that might eventually involve the analysis of specific pumped storage projects and
larger geographical areas. Based on the results of this initial effort using generic
pumped storage parameters, the next logical step in the process would be a detailed
comparison of potential Colorado pumped storage projects. If the results of this
comparison indicate that there are potential projects that could be developed within
the cost range, unit sizes, and time schedule developed from this study, additional
evaluations may be warranted. If conducted, these efforts should utilize specific
project data and include sensitivity analyses related to unit availability, alternative fuel
escalation rates, and short-term financial implications.

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