PUD Feasibility Study Selected for Renewable Energy Grant
Jefferson PUD has been awarded $172,000 toward a feasibility study for a renewable energy hydro generation project. The study will explore adding three 1-megawatt in-line hydro turbines to the 30-inch water pipelines supplying Port Townsend.
The PUD is among 14 grant awardees selected by the WA State Dept of Commerce to receive part of $8.1M in funding from the WA State Clean Energy Fund.
The PUD’s concept incorporates the City of Port Townsend’s 30-mile-long, gravity-fed water system as a “penstock” generator. Penstock systems channel water to a rotating turbine which spins and generates electricity. Generated power would supplement the current grid and supply a proposed battery backup system for use during emergencies.
Generated power would be used to energize critical infrastructure such as hospitals, emergency management, ferry systems.
Awarded funding allows the PUD to work with regional partners to explore development of the generation project.
