Wanyao pumped water energy storage

How big is China's pumped-storage capacity?

China’s pumped-storage capacity is set to increase even more, with 89 GW of capacity currently under construction. Developers are seeking governmental approvals, land rights, or financing for an additional 276 GW of pumped-storage projects, according to the data from Global Energy Monitor. Pumped storage is a type of energy storage.

Why is China building pumped-storage hydropower facilities?

China is building pumped-storage hydropower facilities to increase the flexibility of the power grid and accommodate growing wind and solar power. As of May 2023, China had 50 gigawatts (GW) of operational pumped-storage capacity, 30% of global capacity and more than any other country.

Will pumped storage hydropower meet Irena's 420 gigawatt target by 2050?

A massive planned buildout of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) in Eastern Asia, driven by China, would allow this region to single-handedly meet the International Renewable Energy Agency’s (IRENA) 1.5°C Scenario target of 420 gigawatts of pumped storage worldwide by 2050, according to new data from Global Energy Monitor.

Should China invest in pumped storage hydropower?

China has been urged to optimise pumped storage hydropower stations such as Huanggou in Heilongjiang Province, while also expanding battery storage (Image: Wang Jianwei / Xinhua / Alamy) Pumped storage hydropower supports China’s transition to renewable energy by generating electricity when the sun is not shining nor the wind blowing.

Will pumped storage increase global hydropower capacity?

If one-tenth of the global conventional hydropower capacity 5 is technically eligible for similar-scale pumped storage renovations, this could result in an increase of over 120 GW in storage capacity — 1.2 times greater than the total capacity of all other energy storage technologies worldwide.

How many GW of energy storage are there in China?

As of the end of 2023, China had 86 GW of energy storage in place, with pumped storage accounting for 59.3% and battery storage 40.6%. As battery costs have been dropping significantly, there has been a boom in the adoption of battery energy storage, leading to a significant uptick in new projects.