As the world continues to shift towards renewable energy, a behemoth of a technology has been quietly lurking in the shadows, waiting to unleash its full potential. Pumped hydro storage (PHS) is often overlooked in the clean energy conversation, but it’s time to shine a light on this ancient yet mighty technology that could be the game-changer we need to make the transition to 100% renewable energy a reality.
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For decades, PHS has been gaining attention as a reliable and efficient way to store excess energy generated by wind and solar power, but its true potential goes far beyond just that. What’s surprising is that PHS has been around since the 1920s, yet it still accounts for about 97% of the world’s total energy storage capacity. That’s a staggering number, especially when you consider that the majority of that capacity is concentrated in just a handful of countries, including the US, Australia, and China.
But here’s the thing: PHS is often misunderstood as a technology that’s limited to large-scale, centralized power plants. Nothing could be further from the truth. With advancements in materials science and engineering, PHS can now be scaled down to fit smaller, decentralized applications, making it an ideal solution for communities looking to transition to 100% renewable energy.
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So, what exactly is PHS? In simple terms, it’s a system that uses excess energy to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir, creating a pressure difference that can be released back down to generate electricity when needed. It’s a simple yet elegant concept that has been refined over the years to achieve remarkable efficiency rates of up to 90%.
But what about the environmental impact, you ask? PHS is often praised for its carbon-neutral credentials, and for good reason. Unlike battery storage, which relies on mined materials and energy-intensive manufacturing processes, PHS uses existing infrastructure and harnesses the power of gravity to generate electricity. And when the system is not in use, the water remains in the reservoir, minimizing the risk of environmental damage.
So, why hasn’t PHS been touted as the hero of renewable energy? Part of the reason lies in the fact that it’s not as flashy as some of the newer, more high-tech energy storage solutions. But don’t let that fool you – PHS is a tried-and-true technology that’s been proven time and time again to deliver reliable, efficient, and scalable energy storage.
In fact, some of the world’s most innovative companies are already exploring the potential of PHS to support the transition to 100% renewable energy. Take, for example, the Australian company, Genex Power, which is building a $1 billion PHS facility in Queensland that will be capable of storing 240 megawatt-hours of energy. Or the Chinese firm, State Power Investment Corporation, which is planning to deploy over 1,000 PHS projects across the country by 2025.
As the world hurtles towards a low-carbon future, it’s time to give PHS the recognition it deserves. It’s not just a relic of the past; it’s a powerful tool that can help us unlock the full potential of renewable energy. So, let’s give it up for the unsung hero of the clean energy revolution – pumped hydro storage.
