“Water Battery” proposed in western Maine

Pumped storage hydropower could be coming to Maine. In July, Western Maine Energy Storage filed for a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a proposed development near the Central Maine Power transmission corridor. The project would be mostly in Dixfield, with a small portion in Canton, in Oxford County.

The FERC permit, which will secure the site for further studies including economic and environmental feasibility, is the first step in a permitting process that will take years.

Western Maine Energy Storage was established by the Pittsfield-based Cianbro Corporation in May 2024 to spearhead the “water battery,” shorthand for the two-reservoir system that involves pumping and storing water to meet the grid’s energy needs.

A primary goal of the project is to boost resilience by putting power onto the grid at times when other renewable resources, like wind and solar, aren’t generating electricity. A prime example of this is during evening hours after the sun has set, when energy demand, also known as the load curve, tends to peak.

“We all do appreciate the renewables on the grid, but they can’t always supply the energy electricity that we need. So a project of this nature will help stabilize that supply,” said Lauren Walsh, Cianbro’s corporate environmental manager.

The proposed 500 megawatt project would be the state’s first and only the fourth such energy development in New England. Two pumped storage hydropower plants have operated in Western Massachusetts for decades, and Connecticut has a smaller facility that’s been in operation since the late 1920s. There are a handful of such projects around the country, according to FERC data.  

How does pumped storage hydropower work?

In order to function, pumped storage hydropower relies on differences in elevation in order for water to flow between two artificial reservoirs.

Oxford County’s topography makes the chosen location a match for the proposed development. Western Maine Energy Storage plans to build an upper and lower reservoir, each at 100 acres in size. The two reservoirs will be connected by a pipe. A powerhouse sitting just above the lower reservoir will generate electricity whenever water flows down from the upper reservoir and passes through a turbine. That electricity can then be passed onto the grid.

“When power is relatively cheap, you pump water up, and then when it gets really expensive, or there’s a lack of juice in the system, you flow it back down,” said Tom Brennan, director of public affairs with Western Maine Energy Storage.

To run pizza from Clayton outside to the counter at the event

A Rotary Club Assembly is a regular club meeting dedicated to discussing and coordinating club business, such as future plans, projects, and committee reports, rather than a formal program. These assemblies provide a forum for member participation, enabling the sharing of ideas, addressing concerns, and fostering a collective understanding of the club's direction, with the club president typically leading the discussion to ensure transparency and engagement. 

Key Purposes of a Rotary Club Assembly

• Monitoring Progress:

Directors and committee chairs provide updates to the club on their projects and activities. 

• Strategic Planning:

The assembly serves as a platform to develop long-term plans, coordinate committee efforts, and discuss upcoming initiatives for the new Rotary year. 

• Member Engagement:

Assemblies encourage members, especially new ones, to learn about the club's operations and contribute their ideas and feedback. 

• Information Sharing:

Members exchange information on topics of importance to the club, ensuring everyone is informed about goals and ongoing activities. 

• Education:

The meetings offer ongoing education about Rotary, including the importance of membership development, community outreach, and Rotary's values. 

How a Club Assembly Typically Works

• Leadership:

The club president or a designated officer leads the assembly, guiding discussions and ensuring member interests are addressed. 

• No Formal Program:

Unlike a standard Rotary meeting, a club assembly lacks a pre-scheduled guest speaker or entertainment, focusing instead on internal club business and member interaction. 

• Focus on the Future:

While past performance might be reviewed, the primary goal is to look forward, outlining the president's aspirations and the plans of various committees for the upcoming Rotary year. 

• Member Input:

The assembly provides a crucial opportunity for members to voice their ideas, concerns, and commitments to the club's goals. 

Why They Are Important

• Transparency:

Assemblies promote transparency and inclusivity by providing a clear channel for communication between club leaders and members. 

• Shared Vision:

By involving members in the planning process, assemblies help create a shared vision and commitment to the club's success. 

• Improved Administration:

Regular assemblies facilitate effective club administration by fostering communication and allowing for adjustments to plans.

Join you fellow Club Members for an afternoon of laughter at The Public Theatre in Lewiston. 

Instead of a morning meeting, please join us this Evening for the Act Club Dinner as seen in the Upcoming Events.

Help with Food prep and serving for the Act Club dinner.  Also, please bring a dessert.