-
1 Reading B
-
2 Task4
-
3 Task6
-
4 Task7
-
5 Task8
Reading B Conclusions
A Review of Pumped Hydro Storage Systems
1 Pumped hydro storage systems offer significant benefits in terms of energy storage and management, particularly for integrating renewable energy sources into the grid. However, these systems also have various environmental and socioeconomic implications that must becarefully considered and addressed. By adopting appropriate planning, mitigation measures, and stakeholder engagement, the negative impacts of pumped hydro storage systems can be minimized, and their sustainability can beenhanced. As the global transition towards renewable energy continues, it is essential to strike a balance between the benefits of pumped hydro storage systems and their potential environmental and social costs.
2 This review offers an in-depth exploration of pumped hydro storage (PHS) systems, with a focus on large-scale systems featuring over 1000 MW of installed generation power. The objective is to present a holistic understanding of PHS, including their design, operation, impacts, and potential role in the transition towards sustainable energy systems. The review is organized into multiple sections, each addressing different aspects of PHS.
3 In Section 2, the review delves into the diverse applications of pumped hydro storage (PHS) systems, with a particular focus on their increasing adoption in conjunction with renewable energy sources. The section commences by providing a comprehensive description of the characteristics and uses of PHS, highlighting their notable benefits such as providing ancillary services to the grid and facilitating the mutually beneficial integration of renewable energy sources. Building upon this foundation, the review explores various classification systems for PHS based on the best practices identified in the existing literature. Notably, a classification scheme based on energy storage size and intended uses of PHS is emphasized as it has been found to offer valuable insights into the operational aspects of these systems. Additionally, the section covers the different configurations and types of pumps and turbines employed in PHS, thereby facilitating a thorough understanding of the various system types available in the literature.
4 Section 3 provides a concise qualitative overview of the environmental impacts associated with pumped hydro storage(PHS) systems, considering the significance of environmental concerns as potential project inhibitors. Given the limited scope of this article, it aims to provide readers with an overall understanding of the environmental implications rather than delving deeply into each aspect. The analysis covers land use and ecosystem alterations, water quality and sedimentation, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and socioeconomic implications. Each of these aspects has the potential for extensive exploration, but this review offers acomprehensive view within the constraints of its size and scope.
5 Section 4 provides a comprehensive analysis of incentives and initiatives for pumped hydro storage (PHS) systems globally. By adopting an unconventional classification method based on entities of similar size, the review examines the progress of PHS systems in Asia, with a particular focus on China; Europe; and the USA. The findings underscore the crucial role of government attention at the policy and legislative levels in fostering the growth of large-scale PHS projects. Notably, recent measures in China have demonstrated the positive impact of government interventions on the expansion and success of PHS systems. The section emphasizes the need for policy revisions, financial incentives, and market mechanisms to facilitate the continued development of PHS systems. It highlights the importance of proactive government involvement and supportive policies in ensuring the sustained expansion of PHS projects worldwide. These insights highlight the significanceof government actions in promoting the growth and viability of large-scale PHS systems, as exemplified by recent developments aimed primarily at integration with RES in China and other regions.
6 Section 5 of this study delves into the economic aspects of pumped hydro storage (PHS) systems, focusing on capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and a comparison with other energy storage technologies. By adjusting all costs for inflation, a fair comparison across different time periods is achieved. The inclusion of this section aims to provide valuable references and data regarding the cost per watt, capital costs, operation and maintenance costs, and LCOE. The analysis reveals that the capital costs of PHS systems typically range from USD 500 to 1000 (2021) per watt, excluding transmission costs. Furthermore, the LCOE for PHS is estimated to be around USD 100/MWh, highlighting its cost competitiveness compared to other energy storage technologies such as lithium batteries, which have an LCOE of USD 414/MWh. This demonstrates the potential economic advantages of PHS in the context of energy storage.
7 Section 6 of this study provides acomprehensive statistical analysis of the current state of pumped hydro storage(PHS) deployment worldwide. By examining the evolution of installed power, aggregated sums per country and year, and cost trends, this section offers valuable insights into the historical development and present status of PHS systems. The analysis reveals four distinct periods of development for PHS: the early adoption phase, a rapid expansion from 1970 to 1990, a stabilization period from 1990 to 2010, and a renewed growth phase over the last decade. The examination of the history of aggregated installed capacities highlights China as the current top player in PHS deployment, followed by the United States, Japan, and Europe. Furthermore, an analysis of the cost per watt indicates that PHS technologies and procedures have matured over the past 60 years, with limited room for further improvement in cost reduction. Attempts were made to determine the susceptibility of these projects to budget revisions by comparing the cost per watt for operational and under-construction projects, but the analysis yielded inconclusive results. Additionally, it is observed that the best sites for large-scale PHS projects have already been developed, and current plans focus more on smaller projects with a greater emphasis on energy storage capacity. These findings contribute to our understanding of the current landscape and trends in PHS deployment worldwide.
8 Section 7 and Section 8 of this study delve into alternative configurations of pumped hydro storage (PHS) systems and explore the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Building upon the findings from previous sections, these discussions offer the authors’ recommended approaches and technologies that can enhance the performance and cost-effectiveness of PHS systems. Emphasis is placed on the integration of PHS with renewable energy sources, highlighting the role of PHS as prosumers and the importance of stochastic prediction for bid and offer curves. Furthermore, considering the decreasing availability of fresh water, the potential of seawater-based PHS projects as viable replacements is discussed. These sections contribute to the identification of strategies and solutions that can overcome obstacles and drive the growth and expansion of PHS systems in the future. (1081words)
Notes:
1. Authors:Papadakis C. Nikolaos, Fafalakis Marios, Katsaprakakis Dimitris (2023). AReview of Pumped Hydro Storage Systems. Energy.
2. Keywords: hydroenergy; pumped storage; energy storage; mechanical storage; RES; RESpenetration; policy and incentives
3. Abstract: With the increasing global demand for sustainable energy sources and the intermittent nature of renewable energy generation, effective energy storage systems have become essential for grid stability and reliability. This paper presents a comprehensive review of pumped hydro storage (PHS) systems, a proven and mature technology that has garnered significant interest in recent years. The study covers the fundamental principles, design considerations, and various configurations of PHS systems, including open-loop, closed-loop, and hybrid designs. Furthermore, the review highlights the crucial role of PHS systems in integrating renewable energy sources, mitigating peak load demands, and enhancing grid stability. An in-depth analysis of current and emerging trends, technical challenges, environmental impacts, and cost-effectiveness is also provided to identify potential areas for future research and development. The paper concludes by offering a perspective on the challenges and opportunities that PHS systems present, underlining their potential to significantly contribute to a sustainable and reliable energy future.

