Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) facilities, while considered a renewable energy source, have several environmental concerns associated with them:
Key Environmental Concerns
- Alteration of Local Ecosystems: PSH facilities, particularly those with open-loop configurations, can alter local ecosystems by disrupting natural water flows and affecting wildlife habitats. Dams and reservoirs are constructed to facilitate energy storage, which can lead to changes in aquatic ecosystems.
- River Diversion: During the construction phase, rivers may need to be diverted, which can further disrupt the natural flow and impact the surrounding environment.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Although PSH generally has lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to other energy storage technologies, there are still emissions associated with its operation and construction.
- Closed-Loop vs. Open-Loop Impacts: Closed-loop PSH facilities, which are not connected to a naturally flowing body of water, can have localized environmental impacts but typically less than open-loop systems. However, they may have higher impacts on geology, soils, and groundwater.
Mitigation Strategies
- Siting Flexibility: Closed-loop systems offer greater flexibility in terms of site selection, potentially reducing environmental impacts by avoiding areas with sensitive ecosystems.
- Environmental Assessments: Conducting thorough environmental assessments can help identify potential impacts early and develop strategies for mitigation.
- Technological Advancements: Innovations in PSH technology may lead to further reductions in environmental impacts over time.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-environmental-concerns-associated-with-psh-facilities/
