Unlocking the future of energy storage: STORE2HYDRO's approach

The STORE2HYDRO project will revolutionise electricity storage by integrating reversible pump turbine technology into existing hydropower plants, addressing challenges posed by the increasing integration of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. By converting traditional hydropower facilities into pumped storage plants, the project seeks to maximise renewable energy utilisation, reduce curtailment, and enhance grid stability.

As part of the project, work has been undertaken to map and categorise hydropower plants across Europe that could be converted to reversible pump turbines. It identifies potential sites and evaluates the necessary adjustments based on criteria such as water volumes, turbine types, and geographical factors. The developed categorisation system helps prioritise investments and optimise sustainable energy infrastructure.

The report examines three key domains: high-head storage capacity, low-head storage capacity, and hybrid hydro systems. Using satellite imagery and geographical data, the study assesses power plant schemes and calculates potential storage capacities under different scenarios, emphasising the pivotal role of pumped storage hydropower in transitioning to renewable energy.

Results:

• Scenario 1: Maintaining current base load and finding additional full load hours could add 37.87 TWh/yr of turbining storage and 52.3 TWh/yr of pump storage.
• Scenario 2: Converting base load to regulating pumped storage could add 58 TWh/yr of turbining storage and 87 TWh/yr of pump storage.
• Scenario 3: Converting one unit for cost efficiency could add 15.29 TWh/yr of turbine storage and 22.9 TWh/yr of pump storage.

The STORE2HYDRO project demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of converting existing hydropower plants into pumped storage facilities. This approach offers a robust solution to enhance energy storage and grid regulation, supporting Europe’s renewable energy goals.

Consult the full report on the project's website.

Please note that this report is still subject to approval by the European Commission and is currently in draft form.

Photo provided by the STORE2HYDRO project.