Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Is Having a Renaissance

Energy storage is a critical component of a sustainable energy future, and one technology that is making a comeback is pumped hydro energy storage.

Also known as pumped storage hydroelectricity, this technology stores energy by using water stored in an upper reservoir and releasing it to a lower reservoir when electricity demand is high.

While pumped hydro energy storage has been around for decades, it is experiencing a renaissance as renewable energy sources like solar and wind become more prevalent in the energy mix.

This is because renewable energy sources can be intermittent, producing electricity when the sun is shining or the wind is blowing, but not necessarily when demand is highest.

By pairing renewable energy sources with pumped hydro energy storage, excess energy can be stored during times of low demand and released when needed, helping to stabilize the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Additionally, pumped hydro energy storage has a high energy efficiency, with some systems boasting efficiencies of over 80%.

There are currently several pumped hydro energy storage projects in development around the world, such as the Snowy 2.0 project in Australia and the Turlough Hill project in Ireland.

As the demand for renewable energy grows, pumped hydro energy storage is likely to play an increasingly important role in the energy landscape, helping to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy future.