The lifespan of pumped hydro storage (PHS) facilities significantly surpasses that of typical battery storage systems.
Pumped Hydro Storage Lifespan
- Pumped hydro plants have a very long operational life, often exceeding 50 to 100 years. Some sources estimate around 80 to 100 years for closed-loop systems, with certain facilities like the Engeweiher plant in Switzerland already operating for over 116 years and expected to continue for decades more.
- The dam infrastructure in pumped hydro can last up to 100 years, while the electromechanical equipment usually lasts more than 40 years, and can be refurbished or replaced to extend the facility’s life further.
- Because of their long lifespan and large scale, PHS plants offer cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable long-duration energy storage with relatively low operational costs.
Battery Storage Lifespan
- In contrast, battery storage systems, such as lithium-ion batteries, generally have much shorter lifespans, typically ranging from 8 to 15 years before their performance significantly degrades and they need replacement.
- Batteries also require periodic replacement of cells and involve concerns about environmental impact due to the chemicals and metals used.
Summary Comparison
| Feature | Pumped Hydro Storage | Battery Storage (e.g., Lithium-ion) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical lifespan | 50 to 100+ years (often >100 years) | 8 to 15 years |
| Infrastructure durability | Dams and reservoirs can last ~100 years; equipment refurbishment possible | Battery cells degrade and require replacement |
| Environmental impact | Minimal for closed-loop; uses water; renewable | Higher due to chemical and metal use |
| Cost-effectiveness over life | Very cost-effective due to longevity and scale | Often higher replacement costs over time |
| Scale | Large-scale, suited for long duration | Generally smaller scale |
In summary, pumped hydro storage facilities have a much longer lifespan, often over a century, compared to battery storage systems which typically last less than two decades. This makes pumped hydro especially suited for long-duration, large-scale energy storage with sustainable and cost-effective benefits over the long term.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-lifespan-of-pumped-hydro-storage-facilities-compare-to-battery-storage/
