Towns of Croghan & Watson Explore Compressed Air Facility

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

TOWN OF CROGHAN AND TOWN OF WATSON ENGAGED IN FACT-FINDING OF POTENTIAL ENERGY STORAGE FACILITY

LOWVILLE, NY – The Towns of Croghan and Watson have been approached by Hydrostor, a Canadian-based company specializing in Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES), regarding potential sites for an energy storage facility in Lewis County. Discussions remain in the early stages, with local and county officials working to gather information and assess the impacts of this project.

Project Timeline:

• December 18, 2024 – Lewis County officials met with Hydrostor for an initial introduction to the proposed project.
• January 30, 2025 – County leaders, town officials, and Hydrostor representatives met to discuss the project concept.
• February 13, 2025 – County and town leaders convened to voice concerns, ask questions, and explore potential options.
• February 19, 2025 – County and town officials met with the Planning and Natural Resources Director from Kern County, California, where a similar facility is in its final planning stages. This provided an opportunity to ask questions, gain insights, and discuss possible next steps based on their experience.
• March 11, 2025 – Tentative meeting scheduled with the towns and Hydrostor representatives to ask more questions and gain clarification on key concerns.

Current Status and Key Takeaways:

• No formal applications have been submitted to advance the project.
• Neither town has agreed to move forward at this time, as many questions remain unanswered, and a thorough planning review process will begin after receiving an official application.
• Legitimacy of the project is still being assessed.
• Lewis County’s role is to support the towns in reviewing this complex proposal by offering guidance and resources to assess potential impacts. However, this is not a county-led project.
• An online form will soon be available for residents to submit written questions and concerns, which the towns will compile and address with Hydrostor.
• Public information sessions will be held but currently are not scheduled, as both towns are assessing whether this is a legitimate project.

Discussions will continue as officials work to gather information and address concerns. Further updates will be provided as more details become available.

To submit your questions and concerns, please use the link provided: https://forms.office.com/g/egdhBhWNpA