Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) systems have environmental impacts that vary significantly depending on their location and the type of system deployed, making certain locations more beneficial or detrimental environmentally.
Locations Where PSH Systems Are Particularly Beneficial Environmentally
- Closed-loop PSH systems in off-stream locations are considered to have much lower environmental impacts compared to traditional open-loop systems connected to natural waterways. Closed-loop systems involve reservoirs not connected to flowing rivers, minimizing disruption to aquatic ecosystems and natural water flows. They generally affect the environment locally and for shorter durations, reducing impacts on wildlife habitats and water quality.
- Sites with suitable elevation differences but limited environmental sensitivity can allow construction of reservoirs with less alteration of existing ecosystems. New automated site identification methods that consider topological features and minimize landscape alterations help find promising locations that balance energy storage needs with environmental conservation.
- Closed-loop systems have the lowest global warming potential among energy storage technologies, due to minimal lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions associated with materials and construction, enhancing their green credentials when placed in appropriate sites.
Locations Where PSH Systems May Be Environmentally Detrimental
- Traditional open-loop systems sited on natural rivers or flowing water bodies can have substantial environmental consequences. The construction of dams and reservoirs alters natural water flows, disrupts fish migration, and can damage aquatic and terrestrial habitats. These impacts can be significant especially in ecologically sensitive or protected areas.
- Areas with fragile geology, soils, or groundwater systems may experience increased environmental risks from closed-loop projects that use groundwater or underground reservoirs. While closed-loop systems reduce aquatic impacts, they can raise concerns about geology and groundwater contamination or depletion if not carefully managed.
- Landscapes requiring major alterations or large-scale reservoir construction may face habitat loss and ecosystem fragmentation. The geographical limitation requiring adequate elevation differences for water storage means some sites of ecological value might be altered significantly.
Summary Table of Environmental Benefits and Detriments by Location/Type
| Location/Type | Environmental Benefits | Environmental Detriments |
|---|---|---|
| Closed-loop off-stream PSH | Minimal aquatic disruption, lower GHG emissions, localized and short-term impacts | Potential impacts on geology/groundwater if underground; still requires land use |
| Open-loop on-flowing rivers | Effective large-scale storage, established technology | Alters natural water flow, disrupts ecosystems, affects fish and wildlife habitats |
| Sites with minimal ecosystem sensitivity | Less habitat disturbance, easier mitigation | Construction footprint still significant |
| Geologically sensitive/fragile areas | N/A | Risk of soil erosion, groundwater impacts |
In conclusion, pumped storage hydropower systems are most environmentally beneficial when sited as closed-loop projects away from natural flowing water bodies and sensitive ecosystems, which reduces aquatic and terrestrial disruptions and yields low greenhouse gas emissions. Conversely, open-loop systems in ecologically sensitive riverine locations or closed-loop projects in geologically fragile areas can be environmentally detrimental due to ecosystem alteration or groundwater risks.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-locations-where-pumped-storage-hydropower-systems-are-particularly-beneficial-or-detrimental-environmentally/
