Why is pumped storage hydropower important?

As the global community accelerates its transition toward renewable energy, the importance of reliable energy storage becomes increasingly evident. Among the various technologies available, pumped storage hydropower (PSH) stands out as a cornerstone solution, ensuring grid stability and sustainability.

Why do power companies need more solar & wind?

As power companies add more solar and wind to the grid, they need ways to store extra energy when it’s abundant. This stored energy can then be used when needed. Cohen: “To deal with issues like, what if the wind doesn’t blow for three days, or if it’s really cloudy for a long period of time and so on.”

Is hydropower a tapped resource?

Hydropower was America’s first renewable power source. It is often mistakenly considered a tapped resource, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2016 Hydropower Vision report, hydropower’s capacity can sustainably add 50 new gigawatts by 2050 — 36 GW of which is pumped storage.

What is pumped storage hydropower (PSH)?

Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is a proven energy storage technology. Its earliest U.S. operations date back to the 1929 commissioning of the Rocky River PSH project in Connecticut .

Is hydropower making a comeback?

Hydropower is making its comeback, and not just as a generation source. Water can act as a battery, too. It’s called pumped storage and it’s the largest and oldest form of energy storage in the country, and it’s the most efficient form of large-scale energy storage. Hydropower was America’s first renewable power source.

Are batteries a viable alternative to hydropower?

Stuart Cohen of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory says batteries are one option. But another approach is pumped storage hydropower. Pumped hydro systems require two reservoirs of water – one higher in elevation than the other.