Pumped hydroelectric energy storage, specifically pumped storage hydropower (PSH), generally has lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to many forms of battery energy storage. Here are some key points comparing their emissions:
Comparison Points
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions of PSH:
- PSH systems have been found to have the lowest life cycle greenhouse gas emissions among various energy storage technologies. This includes lower emissions compared to compressed-air energy storage and different types of batteries such as lithium-ion, lead-acid, and vanadium redox flow batteries.
- A study from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) concluded that when using renewable electricity to power PSH systems, their global warming potential is significantly reduced.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Battery Energy Storage:
- Battery storage technologies, particularly utility-scale lithium-ion batteries, typically have higher life cycle emissions due to materials used in their construction, such as metals and chemicals, which require energy-intensive processes.
- The extraction, processing, and manufacturing of battery materials contribute to higher emissions compared to the materials used in PSH, such as concrete and steel.
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Overall Comparison:
- PSH is considered more environmentally friendly in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, partly because it does not require the extraction and processing of rare materials necessary for many battery types.
- While PSH is beneficial for supporting intermittent renewable energy sources like solar and wind, battery storage systems offer greater flexibility in deployment locations and are beneficial for balancing the grid at smaller scales.
In summary, pumped hydroelectric energy storage generally offers lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to many battery energy storage technologies, making it a preferred option for large-scale renewable energy integration. However, battery systems provide flexibility and can be used in a wider range of applications.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-do-the-greenhouse-gas-emissions-of-pumped-hydroelectric-energy-storage-compare-to-those-of-battery-energy-storage/
