Closed-loop pumped storage hydropower (PSH) systems outperform many grid-scale energy storage technologies in efficiency and environmental impact:
Efficiency Comparison
- Closed-loop PSH achieves up to 80% efficiency for energy storage and generation cycles, making it one of the most efficient large-scale solutions.
- Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) reaches 42–70% efficiency, depending on heat retention during compression.
- Battery systems like lithium-ion (LIB) and vanadium redox flow (VRFB) typically range between 75–90% efficiency, but degrade over time and require more frequent replacement compared to PSH’s decades-long lifespan.
Additional Advantages
- Global Warming Potential: Closed-loop PSH emits 58–86 g CO₂e per kWh over its lifecycle, the lowest among major storage technologies.
- Scalability: PSH supports multi-gigawatt-hour capacity, ideal for balancing intermittent renewables like solar and wind.
While batteries excel in short-duration efficiency, closed-loop PSH remains unmatched for long-duration, large-scale storage needs with minimal emissions.
Key Cited Data
- PSH efficiency: 80%
- CAES efficiency: 42–70%
- PSH emissions: 58–86 g CO₂e/kWh
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-closed-loop-systems-compare-to-other-energy-storage-technologies-in-terms-of-efficiency/
