FERC Approves Tiny Conduit Hydropower in California
Published Date: 3/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has given a thumbs-up to 3R Valve’s new small hydropower project in California, which will generate clean energy without messing with water use for farms and towns. This 50-kilowatt project could start making power soon, and FERC is inviting folks to share their thoughts or get involved before the final call. It’s a win for green energy and local water users alike!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
FERC preliminarily OKs 50 kW project
FERC staff preliminarily determined that 3R Valve’s Aquifer Pumped Hydro Project (installed capacity 50 kilowatts; estimated annual generation ~14.2 megawatt-hours) at Willow Springs Water Bank near Rosamond in Kern County, California meets the statutory criteria for a qualifying conduit hydropower facility and therefore is not required to be licensed or exempted from licensing.
30-day comment and intervention window
Anyone may file comments contesting whether the facility meets the qualifying criteria, and anyone may file a motion to intervene; the deadline for both is 30 days from the issuance date of this notice. Filings must follow the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (18 CFR 385.2001–2005) and may be submitted electronically via FERC’s eFiling or eComment systems (eComment accepts up to 6,000 characters without registration).
Project won’t change water conduit purpose
Commission staff preliminarily found the proposed project will not alter the primary purpose of the conduit, which the notice states is for agricultural and municipal use. The determination is based on the facility using a non-federal conduit operated for distribution of water for agricultural and municipal consumption.
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Key Dates
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