To streamline regulatory timelines for pumped storage projects, key reforms and strategies include:
Licensing Process Reforms
- Simplified pathways for low-impact projects: Introduce expedited licensing specifically for closed-loop or off-channel pumped storage systems with minimal environmental impact, bypassing the standard 3-5+ year FERC licensing process.
- Alternative licensing frameworks: Advocate for categorical exclusions or tiered environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to reduce redundant studies and administrative delays.
- Interagency coordination: Establish pre-application joint review teams to consolidate permitting requirements across federal/state agencies (e.g., FERC, BLM, EPA).
Legislative and Policy Actions
- Congressional mandates: Implement statutory deadlines for permitting decisions, similar to FAST-41 provisions for critical infrastructure.
- Stakeholder collaboration: Formalize early engagement with tribal nations, environmental groups, and local communities to preemptively address conflicts.
Financial and Technical Support
- Federal funding prioritization: Allocate DOE grants/loans specifically for projects demonstrating grid reliability benefits to offset financing risks linked to long timelines.
- Standardized impact assessments: Develop template environmental studies and digital permitting tools to accelerate review consistency.
The National Hydropower Association proposes compressing licensing to under two years through these measures, while the BLM emphasizes separating low-impact projects from traditional hydropower licensing hurdles. Post-licensing phases could benefit from modular construction techniques and advanced geological modeling to reduce commissioning delays.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-can-regulatory-timelines-for-pumped-storage-projects-be-streamlined/
