Wind power generating capacity has increased at a rapid rate across the U.S., with Oregon wind farms presently able to produce over 700 mega-Watts. Efficiently integrating this power source with peak load demands is a problem because of the uncertain nature of the wind. To smooth out the energy produced and match available power to peak demand, several energy storage techniques are being considered. Conventional battery technology has limited capacity and issues with expense and disposal. There is progress being made on flywheel storage, consisting of a spinning mass floating on magnetic bearings within a vacuum. A motor brings the flywheel up to speed, where the kinetic energy can be stored indefinitely. But to store energy on a scale practical for most applications, a surprisingly low-tech approach known as pumped hydro has been used with great success. In this scheme two reservoirs are used, and a reversible pump / generator is used to pump water uphill during peak generating times, and during peak demand, the water flows downhill to drive the generator. This plan has the advantages of being able to store large amounts of energy at an efficiency of 80%, and it is compatible with existing dam structures, so it may be possible to create hybrid hydroelectric / pumped hydro designs.
The clouds have parted on the windy shoulders of the Columbia River Gorge.

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