Energy storage hydropower giant reorganizes

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.

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.

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.

How many GWh does a pumped hydropower storage project store?

In a working paper published today, The World’s Water Battery: Pumped Hydropower Storage and the Clean Energy Transition, IHA also estimates that pumped hydropower storage projects globally now store up to 9,000 gigawatt hours (GWh).

Should hydropower stations be renovated with pumped storage?

The costs and operational efficiencies of renovating conventional hydropower stations with pumped storage are two key factors that must be considered.

How many megawatts will a hydropower reservoir have by 2030?

An additional 78,000 megawatts (MW) in clean energy storage capacity is expected to come online by 2030 from hydropower reservoirs fitted with pumped storage technology, according to the International Hydropower Association (IHA).