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From the Editor’s Desk |


renaissance T


he development of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) presents critical opportunities for the hydropower industry and the broader energy sector as we transition to a low-carbon future. As industry veterans are


well aware, PSH’s ability to provide large-scale, long- duration energy storage is becoming increasingly vital in power systems with high penetrations of variable renewable energy. The growing urgency to decarbonize electricity grids is creating a renaissance for PSH development. With its unmatched capacity to store and dispatch massive amounts of energy over extended periods, PSH is uniquely positioned to complement the intermittency of wind and solar generation. This synergy allows for greater integration of renewables while maintaining grid stability and reliability. One of the most promising opportunities lies in


retrofitting existing hydropower facilities with pumped storage capabilities. This approach can significantly enhance the value and flexibility of current assets while minimizing environmental impacts and development challenges associated with greenfield projects. By leveraging existing infrastructure and reservoirs, retrofits can potentially accelerate PSH deployment timelines and improve project economics. The industry must also explore innovative PSH configurations to expand development potential. Off- river closed-loop systems, underground caverns, and abandoned mine sites offer alternatives to traditional open-loop designs. These novel approaches can open up new geographic possibilities and may face fewer regulatory hurdles.


Advancements in PSH technology present another avenue for industry growth. Variable speed turbines, for instance, offer enhanced operational flexibility and efficiency. Smart digital control systems can optimize plant performance and grid integration. Continued investment in research and development will be crucial to unlocking the full potential of PSH. However, realizing these opportunities requires


overcoming significant challenges. The high upfront capital costs and long development timelines of PSH projects remain major hurdles. The industry must work


4 | July 2024 | www.waterpowermagazine.com


Storage


closely with policymakers and regulators to establish supportive market mechanisms and regulatory frameworks that properly value the multiple services PSH provides to the grid. Improved modeling and valuation tools are needed


to accurately assess the full range of PSH benefits, including ancillary services, grid resilience, and long- duration storage capabilities. This will help make the economic case for PSH more compelling to investors and utilities. The industry should also prioritize stakeholder engagement and environmental stewardship in PSH development. Addressing concerns related to water usage, ecosystem impacts, and land use will be critical for project success and public acceptance. As the energy transition accelerates, the hydropower industry has a unique opportunity to position PSH as a cornerstone of future power systems. By leveraging its expertise in large-scale water infrastructure and power generation, the industry can play a pivotal role in enabling higher penetrations of renewable energy and ensuring grid reliability. The global potential for PSH development is vast, with studies identifying hundreds of thousands of potential sites worldwide. Capitalizing on this potential will require a concerted effort from the industry to innovate, collaborate, and advocate for supportive policies.


Pumped storage development represents not just an opportunity, but a necessity for the hydropower industry and the broader energy sector. As we move towards increasingly complex and decarbonized power systems, the unique attributes of PSH make it an indispensable technology for achieving our clean energy goals while maintaining a stable and reliable electricity supply..


Carrieann Stocks


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