The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) received a notice from 3R Valve on March 17, 2025, about their intent to construct a small hydropower facility at the Willow Springs Water Bank in California. This facility, named the Aquifer Pumped Hydro Project, aims to have a capacity of 50 kilowatts and is expected not to change the primary use of the water conduit, which is for agriculture and municipal purposes. FERC has given an initial determination that the project qualifies as a conduit hydropower facility, meaning it does not need a license. The public has 30 days from the notice date to comment or file motions to intervene regarding this decision.
Simple Explanation
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is thinking about letting 3R Valve build a small power plant using water at a place called Willow Springs in California. The plant won't change how the water is mainly used for farms and people, and people have 30 days to say if they think building this plant is a good idea or not.