Modernizing an Existing Pumped Storage Plant to Meet Today’s Market Demands
CLEAN CURRENTS 2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Day: 9/23/2026
Room Number: Water Power Intelligence Theater
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The focus of this special 1-hour session is the modernization of existing pumped storage facilities in the United States to better meet today’s transmission grid requirements.,
To explore the topic, the session provides a “deep dive” into one of the 36 operating pumped-storage plants in the United States – the 260-MW Salina project in the state of Oklahoma, which operates in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) balancing authority.
Details about Salina
In 1968 and 1972, the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) built the first and second phases of the 260-MW Salina pumped storage project. The plant initially was constructed to provide electricity at “peak” times in a day – when electricity was needed most. Now, 50 years later, the electricity marketplace has changed significantly … and so has the way the market would like the plant operated. What’s valued today in the modern integrated energy marketplace is efficiency and ancillary services.
To transform the way the plant operates and better position the plant to meet modern-day grid needs, project owner GRDA is undertaking an overarching plant modernization program. This includes refurbishing Salina’s six pump-generating units; the first two are being manufactured now, following the acceptance of model testing.
GRDA and its partners are working to develop a machine that offers broader response and improved effectiveness compared to the original runner, as well as to replace worn-out, end-of-life equipment. A model test conducted from December 2025 through March 2026 demonstrates the manufacturer’s runner design exceeds the specified reduction in rough zone operation, increases effectiveness, and provides flexibility for alternate technology.
In addition to working with engineering firm Stantec and original equipment manufacturer Litostroj US, GRDA is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetics Office and national laboratories Argonne and Idaho National Laboratories to explore several alternatives to “hybridize” the way the plant could be operated over the next 50 to 60 years.
Next Steps
GRDA's and Stantec’s focus for the remaining 4 units will be a refinement of concepts for the modernization of plant functions that will be selected based on the final grid resilience study by DOE. The studies are considering multiple options including higher cost options of adjustable speed operation with full frequency converters. These studies consider wider operating ranges and elimination or minimization of rough zone operation, input power control in pump mode, as well as a hybrid approach of pairing the Salina PSP with a liquid battery or alternative fueling sources.
The session will include DOE's national labs sharing insight into their studies and system influence modeling of hybrid modernization contributions to grid stabilizing influence and enhanced demand for pumped storage hydropower as a significant benefit to the overall industry.
