Which season is it to pump water for energy storage

What is seasonal pumped hydropower storage?

Seasonal pumped hydropower storage means pumping water into a deep storage reservoir, built parallel to a major river, during times of high water flow or low energy demand. When water is scarce or energy demand increases, the stored water is then released from the reservoir to generate electricity.

What are the benefits of seasonal pumped-storage reservoirs?

The main benefits of seasonal pumped-storage reservoirs are small flooded areas and evaporative losses, whilst providing water and energy storage in locations where conventional reservoir dams are not viable.

Could seasonal pumped hydropower storage be a sustainable solution?

Credit: IIASA Seasonal pumped hydropower storage (SPHS), an already established yet infrequently used technology, could be an affordable and sustainable solution to store energy and water on an annual scale, according to new IIASA research published in the journal Nature Communications.

Does seasonal pumped-storage cost more than conventional reservoir dams?

This comparison shows that seasonal pumped-storage has higher construction costs than conventional reservoir dams, however, as seasonal pumped-storage has much lower land requirements and evaporation losses, it becomes more attractive to conventional reservoir dams in locations with plain topography and where water is scarce.

What is pumped storage hydropower (PSH)?

Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is a type of hydroelectric energy storage. It is a configuration of two water reservoirs at different elevations that can generate power as water moves down from one to the other (discharge), passing through a turbine. The system also requires power as it pumps water back into the upper reservoir (recharge).

How does pumped hydropower storage work?

Pumped hydropower storage works by using the force of gravity to generate electricity. It absorbs surplus energy at times of low demand and releases it when demand is high. This is done by pumping water from a lower source to an upper reservoir and then allowing it to flow back down through a turbine to generate electricity.