Proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project Faces Scrutiny from Natrona County Commissioners

Utah-based rPlus Hydro seeks to build $2-3 billion facility to help stabilize Wyoming's electrical grid

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:43pm

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A highly detailed, photorealistic studio photograph of a polished metal water turbine impeller suspended against a clean, monochromatic grey background, conveying the advanced engineering and sustainable energy focus of the proposed hydroelectric facility.A conceptual image representing the technical innovation and environmental considerations behind the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project.Casper Today

Representatives from rPlus Hydro, a Utah-based energy developer, presented plans for the proposed Seminoe Pumped Storage Project to the Natrona County Commissioners. The $2-3 billion facility would include building a new 13,000-acre-foot man-made lake on a nearby mountaintop and using Seminoe Reservoir as the lower reservoir. The project aims to help stabilize Wyoming's electrical grid by generating up to 970 megawatts of electricity for 12 hours when energy demand outpaces production.

Why it matters

The proposed pumped storage facility is seen as a way to help meet Wyoming's growing energy demands, especially as coal-fired power plants are scheduled to be taken offline in the coming decades. However, the project has faced scrutiny from local stakeholders concerned about its potential impact on the Seminoe-Ferris bighorn sheep herd and the downstream Miracle Mile trout fishery.

The details

The project would involve building a new bridge near Seminoe Dam, an intake and outlet structure linking the mountaintop lake with the reservoir, and 29 miles of power lines. rPlus Hydro says the facility would only alter Seminoe Reservoir's water level by 1-3% and that it has worked with the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality to ensure no impact on water quality. However, Natrona County Commissioners raised concerns about the project's potential effects on recreation and wildlife, including the Seminoe-Ferris bighorn sheep herd and the Miracle Mile trout fishery.

  • In September 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a draft environmental impact statement concluding the project's public benefit outweighs its potential impact on wildlife.
  • FERC is expected to issue a final ruling on the project in June 2026 and approve permitting in September 2026.
  • Even with FERC's approval, rPlus Hydro must still obtain an amendment to the Rawlins Resource Management Plan from the Bureau of Land Management to allow for year-round construction.
  • Construction is not expected to begin until 2029 at the earliest, after rPlus Hydro secures a buyer for the electricity.

The players

rPlus Hydro

A Utah-based energy developer, also doing business as Black Canyon Hydro, that is seeking to build the Seminoe Pumped Storage Project.

Matthew Shapiro

The managing director of hydro strategy at rPlus Hydro, who presented the project details to the Natrona County Commissioners.

Kevin Baker

The senior attorney at rPlus Hydro who assisted in the presentation to the Natrona County Commissioners.

Dave North

A Natrona County Commissioner who raised concerns about the project's potential impact on recreation and wildlife.

Wyoming Game and Fish Department

The state agency that is especially concerned about the project's impact on the Seminoe-Ferris bighorn sheep herd.

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What they’re saying

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The takeaway

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