Pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) systems affect ecological systems primarily through their construction and operational impacts on local environments.
Ecological Alterations During Operation
- Water Flow and Habitat Disruption: Operating pumped hydro storage involves moving large volumes of water between reservoirs at different elevations. This alters natural water flow patterns, which can impact aquatic habitats and species living downstream or in connected water bodies. Changes in flow regimes can disrupt spawning grounds, migration routes, and feeding habitats for fish and other wildlife.
- Reservoir Ecosystem Changes: The reservoirs used for pumping and generation replace or modify existing terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems. This can result in the loss of land habitats and changes in water temperature and quality, which affect local flora and fauna. Reservoir fluctuation during daily water transfers can stress shoreline vegetation and aquatic organisms.
- Closed-Loop vs. Open-Loop Systems: Closed-loop pumped storage systems, which use isolated reservoirs without direct river inflow or outflow, tend to have somewhat reduced ecological impact compared to open-loop systems that rely on natural water bodies. However, even closed-loop systems affect water sourcing and local groundwater dynamics, potentially causing delays in ecosystem recovery and changes in hydration patterns of surrounding lands.
- Construction Phase Impacts: Although not directly during operation, the construction of dams, reservoirs, and associated infrastructure involves significant landscape alteration that permanently changes ecosystems. Use of concrete, steel, and cement contributes to environmental burdens, but these impacts are mostly upfront rather than ongoing during operation.
Summary
Pumped hydroelectric energy storage systems alter ecological systems during operation mainly by:
- Modifying water flow and hydrological regimes, disrupting aquatic and riparian habitats.
- Changing reservoir ecosystems through water level fluctuations and altered water quality.
- Impacting local wildlife through habitat loss or fragmentation around reservoirs.
- Causing less impact in closed-loop systems compared to open-loop but still affecting local water cycles.
While PHES provides a renewable and flexible energy storage solution with relatively low greenhouse gas emissions, its ecological impacts on water and land ecosystems require careful site selection and management to mitigate environmental harm.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-pumped-hydroelectric-energy-storage-systems-alter-ecology-systems-during-operation/
