Benefits

Discover the Benefits of the Goldendale Project

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FUTURE-PROOFING THE GRID

As we transition to a 100% renewable energy grid, we need reliable, affordable ways to store wind and solar energy. The Goldendale Energy Storage Project is scheduled to come online at a time when West Coast utilities must meet an increasing amount of their electricity needs from renewable sources. The project can connect into existing transmission lines, allowing it to seamlessly and cost-effectively provide reliable energy storage for renewable resources.

LESS WASTED ENERGY

The Goldendale Project is located within the Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone. The region is home to numerous wind farms. During some times of the year, much of the wind generation has to be curtailed because the grid can’t handle it. The Goldendale Project would be able to harness that energy for later use and bring economic benefits to the region.

Economic Benefits

Creating jobs and investing in the region

$2 Billion+ project 8 miles SE of Goldendale creates more than 3,000 family-wage jobs during its 4-year construction period.

The project will create 50 to 70 permanent jobs.

Offers job training and employment opportunities to the surrounding community.

Infuses billions of dollars into rural Washington and Oregon.

Generates $14 Million+ tax dollars annually in Klickitat County.

GOOD-PAYING GREEN JOBS

The Goldendale Project will create more than 3,000 green jobs over its construction period. Almost half of these are family-wage jobs in the building and construction trades, ranging from electricians to laborers to heavy machinery operators.

The project will be built by union workers, guaranteeing safe working conditions and fair compensation. The project will also be an opportunity to train new apprentices, who will gain the experience needed to guarantee higher-wage jobs in the future.

Clean Up

REVITALIZING A FORMER BROWNFIELD SITE

● The Goldendale project represents a new era for the former site of the Columbia Gorge Aluminum smelter, which is located on private land near utility right of way.

● The project will generate 1,200 MW of renewable energy—approximately the same amount as 7,320 acres of wind turbines or 53,640 acres of solar without the environmental impacts.

● The environmental impacts of a “closed-loop” hydro storage project are minimal, especially when compared to other hydroelectric projects.

● $10 million dollars will be spent to revitalize the site.

A safe, equitable, and environmentally sound way to store and integrate carbon free sources of electricity. Supporting Washington's efforts to meet its clean energy goals.