| World news Global Global Alliance for Pumped Storage launched at COP29 to boost energy security


The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has announced the launch of the Global Alliance for Pumped Storage (GAPS) at COP29, bringing together representatives from 14 countries, including the United States, Indonesia, Spain, Romania, and Brazil. The alliance aims to accelerate the deployment of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) as a key element for supporting renewable energy sources like wind and solar and strengthening global energy security. As renewable energy is projected to surpass fossil fuels by 2030,


integrating reliable energy storage has become increasingly urgent. The GAPS alliance committed to forming an intergovernmental leadership group to advance policies that enable pumped storage development globally. Australian Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, underscored the need for solutions that provide “deep” energy storage, noting that current frameworks are insufficient. He said: “What it takes to deliver ‘deep’ storage is not yet in place; this forum’s work is important to highlight these challenges and act as a knowledge and tech-sharing opportunity.” Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja pointed out that limited investment has hindered hydropower’s potential in Romania


and Europe. “This work is vital to support a registry of experts and firms that can deliver these sorts of projects,” he stated. Sandra Dickison, Deputy Director for Multilateral Climate and Clean


Energy Engagement from the US Department of Energy, supported the initiative, highlighting America’s role in pumped storage with 22GW in capacity. She noted that many existing facilities are aging and called for prioritising PSH to ensure a stable energy grid. “We stand ready to work with you all,” Dickison affirmed. Leaders from Indonesia and the European Commission also


voiced support, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in advancing pumped storage. IHA President Malcolm Turnbull commented on the alliance’s significance, stating: “In a clean energy world dominated by solar PV, pumped storage is more important than ever. This group will accelerate pumped storage’s adoption and enable governments to collaborate on best practices.” The alliance plans to guide initiatives from the upcoming


International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower in September 2025 in Paris and oversee efforts to scale up PSH development in the coming decade.


Canary Islands EIB approves €300 million loan for Salto de Chira project The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved a €300 million loan to Red Eléctrica, a subsidiary of Redeia, to support the construction of the Salto de Chira hydroelectric power plant on the island of Gran Canaria. This facility, featuring a 200MW pumped-storage hydroelectric system and a desalination plant, is designed to strengthen the island’s electricity supply and provide backup power, enhancing energy security for local residents and businesses. The Salto de Chira project will use a two-


reservoir system to store and release energy, enabling Gran Canaria to utilize surplus renewable energy when demand is high. This facility will store energy generated from renewable sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and facilitating a greater share of renewable power in the local energy mix. An associated desalination plant will provide additional water resources, supporting irrigation needs for local farming communities. “We are delighted to join forces with Red Eléctrica to support the construction of the Salto de Chira hydroelectric power plant. This project is key to ensuring energy autonomy and driving the green transition in Gran Canaria,” said Jean-Christophe Laloux, Director General of Operations in the European Union at the EIB. “The project will improve electricity supply quality and security on the island using existing resources and reflects the EIB’s commitment to territorial cohesion and climate action, two of our strategic priorities.” The EIB’s financing aligns with its objectives


to support cohesion regions, such as the Canary Islands, and advance energy transition goals. Roberto García Merino, CEO of Redeia, emphasized the role of energy storage in supporting renewable integration: “Storage will be one of the key elements in the energy transition, providing flexibility and manageability to the electricity system to integrate large amounts of renewable energies, thus contributing to electrification and access to renewable energy, which is especially important for an electricity system like the Canary Islands, which is isolated and therefore more vulnerable.” Once operational, the Salto de Chira facility will enable Gran Canaria to improve the reliability of its electricity grid, particularly as it shifts toward a more renewable-based system. The pumped-storage design allows water to be cycled between two reservoirs, generating hydroelectric power during high-demand periods. Excess renewable energy will be used to pump water from the lower reservoir, Soria, to the upper reservoir, Chira, for future electricity generation when demand rises or renewable output falls. The desalination plant will assist in maintaining reservoir levels, while also providing irrigation water for the local agriculture sector. The EIB has been active in supporting


energy security projects across Europe. In 2023, it provided over €21 billion in financing to secure Europe’s energy supply, with €4.5 billion dedicated to projects in Spain focused on renewables, efficiency, grid infrastructure, and energy storage. The Salto de Chira project also aligns with the REPowerEU plan, the EU’s strategic push to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports. By 2027, the EIB expects to mobilize over €150


billion for clean energy projects, supporting Europe’s goal of a sustainable, resilient, and climate-neutral energy system.


Scotland


Drax appoints COWI and PINI for Cruachan hydro expansion Renewable energy company Drax has appointed international hydro engineering consultants COWI and PINI in a joint venture to support the development of the UK’s first new pumped storage hydro plant in nearly four decades. The firms will work on the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) phase of the project to expand Drax’s existing Cruachan facility in Scotland. The proposed expansion involves building a new 600MW power station next to the current underground site, effectively doubling Cruachan’s total generation capacity to over 1GW. The new facility would enhance energy security and help decarbonize the grid by storing and releasing excess renewable energy. COWI and PINI will contribute expertise in various fields, including civil engineering, geotechnics, and electrical systems. Both firms have extensive experience with hydro projects worldwide. “We are delighted to welcome two world- leading engineering consultancies to our project, helping us move forward with the new power station’s design,” said Steve Marshall, Development Manager for the Cruachan Expansion project. “A new generation of pumped storage hydro plants will strengthen the UK’s energy security through enabling more homegrown renewable electricity to come


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