Pumped hydro storage (PHS) facilities have significantly longer lifespans compared to most other energy storage technologies, such as batteries.
Lifespan of Pumped Hydro Storage
- Electromechanical equipment in pumped hydro plants typically lasts more than 40 years, while the dam infrastructure itself can last 100 years or more.
- Some sources estimate the total lifetime of a closed-loop pumped hydro facility to be in the range of 80–100 years, with many plants operating successfully well beyond 100 years. For example, the Engeweiher plant in Switzerland has been operational for 116 years and expects to continue for at least another 29 years, projecting a total lifespan of over 145 years.
- The technology is mature and well-proven, with a stable performance profile over these extended periods.
Comparison with Other Energy Storage Technologies
- Battery energy storage systems (such as lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries) generally have much shorter operational lifespans, typically around 8 to 15 years, due to degradation of battery cells over time.
- Compared to batteries, pumped hydro’s longer lifespan translates to lower lifecycle costs and better cost-effectiveness for large-scale, long-duration energy storage.
- Pumped hydro also benefits from minimal environmental impact when configured as closed-loop systems, and does not rely on chemical materials or metals that degrade or require replacement like batteries.
Summary Table
| Storage Technology | Typical Lifespan | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pumped Hydro Storage | 80–100+ years | Dam may last 100+ years; equipment 40+ years; some plants 145+ years |
| Lithium-ion Batteries | 8–15 years | Limited cycle life, capacity fades over time |
| Other Battery Technologies | Generally < 20 years | Varies by chemistry, typically shorter than PHS |
Overall, pumped hydro storage facilities offer one of the longest operational lifespans among energy storage technologies, making them highly cost-effective and sustainable for grid-scale energy storage applications compared to shorter-lived battery systems.
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-other-energy-storage-technologies/
