Water sourcing issues for pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES)
Water sourcing issues for pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) can be mitigated primarily by using a closed-loop system design and selecting appropriate project sites and operational strategies. Here are key mitigation approaches based on the available research:
Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower
- Closed-loop systems operate independently of natural flowing water bodies. Water is cycled repeatedly between two reservoirs without continuous connection to a river or stream. This approach minimizes water sourcing challenges such as water rights conflicts, impacts on aquatic ecosystems, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from reservoirs.
- Because closed-loop systems do not rely on external water input, they avoid delays and contention related to securing water rights or environmental approvals for river diversion or usage.
Site Selection and Design
- Locating PHES facilities off-river and using closely spaced reservoirs reduces reliance on natural water sources and helps avoid ecological disruption of local water flows and habitats.
- Sites with natural topography allowing efficient gravitational water movement between reservoirs reduce the volume of water needed to be stored and moved, thereby mitigating water sourcing demands.
- Integrated designs that repurpose existing reservoirs or dams, enabling pumped storage with minimal additional water demand, can reduce water sourcing issues.
Operational and Environmental Measures
- Employing water management practices to balance reservoir levels and reduce evaporation losses helps conserve water resources.
- Environmental reviews focused on the nexus of project impacts and water sourcing challenges can help identify effective mitigation measures early in project planning, smoothing the licensing and permitting process.
- Utilizing water sources such as stormwater, reclaimed water, or treated wastewater where feasible can supplement traditional water supplies and lessen pressure on natural water resources.
Summary Table of Mitigation Strategies
| Mitigation Strategy | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Closed-loop design | Cycling water between two reservoirs without river connection | Avoids water rights issues, ecosystem impacts, GHG emissions |
| Off-river site selection | Using natural elevation changes away from rivers | Reduces ecological disruption and dependency on flowing water |
| Existing reservoir integration | Enhancing existing hydropower dams with pumping capability | Minimizes new water demand and infrastructure |
| Water conservation practices | Managing reservoir levels, reducing evaporation | Preserves water availability and ecosystem health |
| Supplementary water sources | Using treated wastewater or stormwater as reservoir input | Decreases reliance on freshwater sources |
By prioritizing closed-loop systems and off-river sites, along with integrating water conservation and alternative water sourcing, pumped hydroelectric energy storage projects can significantly mitigate water sourcing challenges. This fosters smoother regulatory processes and environmental compatibility, critical for scaling PHES as a renewable energy storage solution.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-can-water-sourcing-issues-be-mitigated-for-pumped-hydroelectric-energy-storage/
