Project Number:

1131

Mount Hope Waterpower Project

SERVICE:

Comprehensive Regional Air Quality Analysis

DESCRIPTION:

The Mount Hope Waterpower Project proposed a 2000 MW advanced pumped storage hydroelectric project to be located in Morris County, New Jersey, 35 miles west of New York City. This ambitious project sought to excavate a large surface reservoir on the site of an abandoned iron mine, which would store water that could be utilized to power a 2000 MW hydroelectric plant when New York City required supplementary power at times of peak demand. Additionally, the project would excavate a second reservoir 2,500 feet belowground, to store additional water that would be retrieved and returned to the surface during off-peak periods.

Tech Environmental conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Mount Hope Waterpower Project's anticipated effect on emissions of ozone precursors and non-reactive air pollutants, and the associated effects on ambient air quality in the Mid-Atlantic region. The study demonstrated that construction and operation of the project would result in significant air quality benefits for the region. The projected reductions in emissions were the result of several Project features, including its ability to quickly provide 2000 MW of clean hydroelectric power inside the core of the area with the most severe air quality problems. This reduction would largely come from reduced dependence on old and inefficient power plants utilizing traditional generation methods.

This study. which was completed in 1994, is very similar to many renewable energy projects completed today.

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Key Points

  • A hydropower project sought to demonstrate that its operations would decrease regional emissions of ozone precursors and air pollutants.
  • Tech's comprehensive analysis proved that construction and operation of the project would result in significant air quality benefits for the region.