BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
PINEVILLE — A $1 billion energy infrastructure project in Eastern Kentucky is moving forward in Bell County.
Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) announced Monday that Rye Development has submitted its final license application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Lewis Ridge Pumped Storage Project. The submission marks a milestone in the plan to build a 266-megawatt pumped storage hydropower facility on reclaimed mine lands near Pineville.
Slated to begin construction in 2027, the project will create approximately 2,300 construction jobs and apprenticeships, officials say. Once operational, the facility will employ about 45 full-time workers.
“This project will offer good-paying jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for Kentuckians along with additional economic benefits for restaurants, hotels, and other local businesses across Bell County,” said Colby Hall, executive director of SOAR.
An economic analysis projects that $104 million will flow into the local economy during the construction phase, according to SOAR’s press release. Developers say that once complete the facility will generate $16.5 million annually in local property tax revenue, funding schools, first responders and other public services.
The Lewis Ridge facility will store and release electricity by moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations, operating like a large “water battery.” It will be able to store up to eight hours of electricity and deliver on-demand power for approximately 70,000 homes.
As Kentucky’s energy demand is expected to grow by as much as 45% by 2032, officials say long-duration energy storage like this is crucial to maintaining grid reliability.
“Large projects like Lewis Ridge will play a critical role in Kentucky’s energy future,” said Sandy Slayton, vice president of environmental at Rye Development and project manager for the facility. “Pumped storage facilities operate around the clock to help ensure homes and businesses can access affordable energy when they need it most.”
The project is touted as both a tribute to the region’s coal heritage and a model for sustainable development. Developers say that by repurposing former mine land and recruiting a local workforce, Lewis Ridge represents a forward-looking approach to economic and environmental transition in Appalachia.
Construction will continue through 2031, developers say.
The FERC review process now underway includes environmental assessments, public comment opportunities, and formal hearings.