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INSIGHT | PUMPED STORAGE TUNNELS


● Finding the right geographic location: To be economically viable, pumped storage projects need an elevation difference between the upper and lower reservoirs over a short distance. A common rule is that the water conduits should be no longer than 10 times the elevation difference. Suitable upper and lower reservoir sites are needed with it common to have one reservoir, typically the lower reservoir, already existing. Siting studies are required to identify potential candidate sites.


● Designing the associated infrastructure: Beyond the site facility, pumped storage projects require extensive associated infrastructure. These include access roads, bridges, tunnels, operations facilities, switch yard(s), and communications. These projects also require extensive transmission lines and electrical infrastructure to interconnect locations, adding to the complexity.


● Complex tunnel system: The underground components can become extremely complex with the powerhouse cavern, waterway tunnels and shafts, drainage galleries, manifolds, surge facilities, and access tunnels. With the powerhouse usually being on the critical path, access tunnels to the powerhouse need to have the quickest access. Other elements need construction access tunnels to not interfere with the powerhouse construction.


● Integrated team: Everything affects everything. A multidisciplinary team of experienced experts is required for pumped storage development. This demands careful integration as elements seem to be in a constant state of adjustment with each requiring interdisciplinary coordination. A well-developed integration plan must be executed to keep elements aligned. Design and construction tools such as BIM, Deswik, and Leapfrog can help facilitate integration.


● And much more: Licensing, permitting, and high voltage interconnection agreements are all needed in addition to the infrastructure. These are complex processes to be followed for approvals and can take years of upfront work to get a plant to the point of construction.


Above: Pumped storage projects call for many and varied underground excavations from tunnels, shafts and adits to caverns


22 | Fall 2023


PUMPED STORAGE: UNDERGROUND COMPONENTS While the reservoirs at pumped storage facilities are above ground and visible, a lot of the components for these projects are underground. Let’s explore some of the key underground components that are needed for pumped storage projects. ● Underground vs. pit style powerhouse: Whether it is a one, two, or three cavern underground complex or a surface, pit, or shaft style powerhouse, an economic and environmentally acceptable powerhouse must be developed as the central component of the facility with the largest cost drivers. Extensive studies are required to resolve this most fundamental element. For performance issues, the pumps must be 25m to 50m deeper than the lower water level.


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