- Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH): This approach involves creating a closed system where water is circulated between two reservoirs that are not directly connected to a natural waterbody, thus minimizing environmental impact by avoiding dam construction on rivers and changes to downstream flow regimes. This method can significantly reduce environmental remediation costs and impacts.
- Pump-Back Retrofits: This involves upgrading existing facilities to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Pump-back retrofits can add significant energy storage capacity without needing new dams, thereby reducing environmental impacts.
- Digitalization and Innovation in Operation: Innovative operation methods and digital tools improve the efficiency of existing PSH systems, making them more adaptable to renewable energy integration and reducing operational costs. Regulatory frameworks that incentivize flexible operation also play a crucial role.
- New Construction Methods: Advances in construction techniques can reduce the time and cost associated with building new PSH facilities, making them more economically viable and potentially lowering environmental remediation costs by minimizing construction impacts.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-innovative-solutions-being-developed-to-reduce-the-environmental-remediation-costs-of-pumped-hydroelectric-energy-storage/
