Renewable energy sources such as solar and wind produce electricity variably- that is, when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing. This can result in a mismatch between electric power supply and daily and seasonal demand, which in turn requres increased energy storage. Pumped hydropower storage currently accounts for about 95% of all utility-scale energy storage capacity in the US. Pumped hydropower uses pumps powered by excess renewable energy to move water into a high elevation water reservoir at times of high energy production, and then at times of high demand and low production, releases the water to a lower reservoir to produce energy through gravity.
Although pumped hydropower is seen by many as a key part of a renewable energy transition, the infrastructure is not without problems: it requires extensive surface and/or groundwater use, often involves significant infrastructure, and can impact Tribal resources. Proposed projects throughout the Western US have been met with opposition by environmentalists, Indigenous Tribes, and other concerned neighbors.
The Goldendale Energy Storage Project in Washington is a proposed pumped hydropower storage facility that has generated opposition from a range of actors, including environmentalists and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation. Those opposing the facility have dubbed it 'green colonialism,' and are particularly concerned about impacts to tribal cultural resources that would occur as a result of reservoir construction. The Yakama Nation Tribal Council has spoken out strongly against the project and has resolved to oppose all future energy projects that could damage important cultural resources
This case examines issues of Indigenous environmental justice and community impacts of renewable energy transitions and energy storage. The research focuses on conflict, consent, and consultation in permitting processes around renewable energy storage infrastructure.