Should policymakers consider pumped storage flexibility?

Policymakers should recognise and value pumped storage flexibility as an essential service to the power system to achieve a successful energy transition, by utilising updated information on the technology’s capabilities and benefits within their respective whole system energy modelling.

How can policymakers accelerate development of pumped storage?

Policymakers can accelerate development of pumped storage in their countries by filtering the many potential sites and highlighting those with the best economic, social and environmental outcomes.

What is pumped storage & why is it important?

Pumped storage (PS) takes a long time to develop, build and pay back. At the same time, energy systems are rapidly transforming to accommodate changes in demand and supply, particularly growth in wind and solar power, making it essential to plan for future reliable energy systems which have sufficient long duration energy storage.

How can pumped storage improve the efficiency of the energy system?

The efficiency of the energy system can be greatly enhanced by integrating the development of pumped storage with the extension of grid infrastructure, and with wind or solar energy. Holistic site planning will therefore bring significant system benefits.

How can pumped storage be a critical infrastructure?

National strategic plans, e.g. NationalEnergy and Climate Plans, that indicate a national target for energy storage, including pumped storage, give important signals to the market. This could be done with framework legislation - to indicate storage as critical infrastructure.