Stephen Sprunk  wrote:
> Pumped storage is _cheaper_ when you have mountains to work with, but
> you can build it anywhere with a decent water source.

If you do have a mountain... don't screw up the dam.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taum_Sauk_Hydroelectric_Power_Stati
n#Upper_reservoir_breached
In their defense, Union Electric ran that plant for 34+ years (1963-
1997) without a hitch.  It only took Central Illinois Public Service a
touch under 8 years (1998-2005) to screw it up.

ObMTRA: Part of the fine for this screwup was Ameren turning over a rail
line near Kansas City to the state of Missouri, which will eventually be
used to extend the Katy Trail to Kansas City, and possibly for light
rail in Kansas City.

> Find (or build) a lake on the surface, drill down a few thousand feet
> and excavate a cavern.

How do you keep the water from soaking into the rock?  Is the rock down
there tight enough to prevent it, or do you need some kind of coating on
the cavern walls?

Matt Roberds

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