Cost Model for Pumped Storage Hydropower Geomembrane Lining Systems

Abstract

The Cost Model for Pumped Storage Hydropower Geomembrane Lining Systems offers an approximation of geomembrane lining system costs for pumped storage hydropower (PSH) reservoirs. Geomembrane lining systems have been used around the world for over 60 years for the construction of dams and reservoirs. Although geomembrane lining systems have found widespread use in the construction of canals and waste containment systems, they have not been utilized in the construction of new PSH facilities in the United States since the Mount Elbert PSH powerplant in Colorado. For this reason, PSH developers in the United States expressed the need for a tool that would allow them to estimate the costs of geomembrane lining systems for their PSH projects. To meet this need, the Cost Model for Pumped Storage Hydropower Geomembrane Lining Systems was developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory with support from Argonne National Laboratory and Stantec, Inc. This Cost Model will enable PSH developers to develop a preliminary estimate of the cost of geomembrane lining systems and to better understand different reservoir lining options and their cost and performance characteristics, thus enabling them to make informed decisions related to preferred reservoir lining systems for their PSH projects.