Environmental Benefits
- Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Closed-loop pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is recognized for having one of the lowest life cycle greenhouse gas emissions among energy storage technologies, contributing minimally to global warming potential. This makes it an essential component in the transition to renewable energy.
- Minimal Environmental Impact: Unlike open-loop systems, closed-loop systems are not connected to naturally flowing water bodies, which reduces the risk of disrupting local ecosystems and aquatic habitats. This isolation allows for greater control over environmental impacts.
- Protection of Terrestrial Habitats: Closed-loop systems provide more opportunities to minimize environmental effects on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats compared to open-loop systems. By avoiding connections to natural water sources, these systems can be designed to preserve surrounding ecosystems.
- Sustainability: Closed-loop PSH systems are considered sustainable and valuable additions to clean energy grids, offering a promising solution for grid-scale energy storage. They enable a more reliable integration of renewable energy sources by providing a means to store excess energy during periods of high production.
Overall, closed-loop systems offer a cleaner, more sustainable, and environmentally friendly approach to energy storage compared to other technologies.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-environmental-benefits-of-using-closed-loop-systems-in-pumped-hydroelectric-energy-storage/
