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Pumped storage hydropower capacity rises as global development accelerates
Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) experienced strong growth in 2024, with global capacity rising by 5% to reach 189GW, according to the 2025 World Hydropower Outlook published by the International Hydropower Association (IHA). Out of 24.6GW of new hydropower capacity added globally in 2024, 8.4GW came from pumped storage. The annual pace of PSH deployment has nearly doubled over the last two years, bringing the five-year average to 6GW per year – up from 2–4GW per year seen over the previous two decades. The global PSH development pipeline now exceeds 600GW, more than half of the total 1075GW hydropower pipeline. This marks a clear shift toward electricity storage as part of broader energy system resilience strategies. Most of this capacity is expected to be commissioned by 2030. China accounted for the largest share of new PSH in 2024, adding 7.75GW as part of a total 14.4GW increase in hydropower capacity. The country is on track to surpass its 2030 target of 120GW of pumped storage. In Europe, policy and regulatory momentum is also boosting PSH. The region now has a development pipeline of 52.9GW, including
3GW under construction and 6.7GW with regulatory approval. This is supported by rising demand for energy storage to complement intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. IHA CEO Eddie Rich stated: “As the renewable energy market continues to grow, pumped storage hydropower is playing an increasingly vital role in ensuring system flexibility and stability.” The IHA warns that while momentum is building, a projected shortfall of 60–70GW remains to meet global hydropower targets by 2030, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency’s “tripling renewables” scenario. Accelerated permitting and financing are seen as essential to closing this gap. The World Hydropower Outlook notes that the sector’s role in
energy storage and grid flexibility is drawing increasing attention from policymakers. “The only resource we lack is time,” said IHA President Malcolm Turnbull, calling for policy reforms to support hydropower and unlock its full potential. The next major step for the sector will be the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower, scheduled for September at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. The event will focus on translating global ambition into implementation.
Australia
EnergyAustralia and EDF partner on Lake Lyell project EnergyAustralia has announced a new joint venture with EDF Power Solutions Australia to co-develop the Lake Lyell pumped storage hydro project in Lithgow, New South Wales. EDF was selected following a competitive
process, with the company chosen for its international experience in developing and operating pumped hydro assets. If approved, the Lake Lyell project would deliver 385MW of dispatchable energy – enough to power more than 250,000 NSW homes for up to eight hours. Mark Collette, Managing Director of
EnergyAustralia, said the partnership is part of the company’s broader strategy to support the clean energy transition. “Our purpose is to lead and accelerate the clean energy transformation for all. The Lake Lyell project is a major initiative as part of this transition, providing storage that will firm renewables,” Collette said. “We recognise pumped hydro requires unique expertise to ensure it is developed and delivered efficiently, while considering the best interests of the local community and the wider state of NSW. This partnership will enable both EnergyAustralia and EDF Power Solutions Australia to lend their expertise to the continued development of this important project. “EnergyAustralia holds long term relationships with the Lithgow community, and we have built strong relationships with the community. We look forward to continuing to work with the community and local stakeholders.” James Katsikas, CEO of EDF Power
Solutions Australia, said the company’s global hydroelectric experience would support the delivery of Lake Lyell to high standards. “EDF Group is one of the world’s largest,
diversified low-carbon energy producers. We own and operate over 20GWs of hydroelectric assets across the globe and are developing many more GWs. In Australia we are already leading the Dungowan pumped storage project near Tamworth, NSW, with 300 MWs and ten hours of storage that will support NSW’s energy transition,” he said. “We will work with EnergyAustralia and all
interested stakeholders to ensure that Lake Lyell becomes a model of sustainable development and a source of real pride for the region.” Under the joint venture, EDF Power Solutions Australia now holds a 75% equity stake in the project, with EnergyAustralia retaining 25%. EnergyAustralia will maintain first rights to the project’s power offtake and will continue to lead local engagement efforts. The project is preparing to submit its
Environmental Impact Statement in 2025, with a Final Investment Decision expected by late 2026.
US Rye Development hits key milestone for Lewis Ridge Rye Development has submitted a Final License Application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for the Lewis Ridge pumped storage project, a 266MW hydropower facility planned for former mine land in southeastern Kentucky. The project is expected to create about 2,300
construction jobs and apprenticeships. Once operational, it will employ around 45 workers. Rye Development plans to recruit and train local workers in collaboration with Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), a nonprofit focused on workforce development in Eastern Kentucky. “Projects like Lewis Ridge will play a key
role in Kentucky’s energy future,” said Sandy Slayton, vice president of environmental at Rye Development and the project manager. “Pumped storage facilities operate around the clock to support grid reliability, prevent blackouts, and keep energy prices stable.” “We are proud to partner with Rye
Development to train and support the local workforce that will power Lewis Ridge construction,” said Colby Hall, SOAR executive director. “This project will offer good-paying jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for Kentuckians along with additional economic benefits for restaurants, hotels, and other local businesses across Bell County.” The Lewis Ridge facility will be able to store power for up to eight hours and generate electricity on demand, enough to supply around 70,000 homes.
An economic analysis projects the facility will contribute $104 million to the local economy during construction. After completion, it is expected to generate about $16.5 million annually in property taxes for Bell County, supporting public services such as schools, emergency services, and infrastructure. The FERC licensing process will now continue with an environmental review, public comment periods, public hearings, and coordination with state and federal agencies.
www.waterpowermagazine.com | July 2025 | 5
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