Environmental Impacts of Constructing Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) Facilities
The environmental impacts of constructing Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) facilities can vary depending on whether the system is open-loop or closed-loop.
Open-Loop vs. Closed-Loop PSH
- Open-Loop: These systems are connected to naturally flowing water bodies like rivers or streams. They can have significant impacts on aquatic ecosystems, affecting fish migration and altering water flow patterns. Additionally, the water intake and release can cause changes in water levels and quality.
- Closed-Loop: These systems are not connected to natural water bodies and instead use constructed reservoirs. They generally have lower aquatic impacts since they do not interfere with natural water flows. However, closed-loop systems can have localized terrestrial impacts due to the construction of reservoirs and infrastructure. They may also affect geology, soils, and groundwater, especially if they use groundwater sources.
General Environmental Impacts
- Water Rights and Sourcing: Closed-loop PSH may face challenges related to securing water rights and sourcing, which can lead to delays and controversy.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: PSH systems, especially closed-loop, have been found to have low greenhouse gas emissions compared to other energy storage technologies. This makes them environmentally beneficial in terms of global warming potential.
- Local Impacts: Construction can disrupt local ecosystems and may require large land areas for reservoirs. Closed-loop projects offer more siting flexibility than open-loop ones.
Minimizing Environmental Impacts
To reduce environmental impacts, closed-loop systems are being developed with minimal connectivity to natural water bodies, which helps in mitigating aquatic and terrestrial effects. Additionally, efforts are made to minimize the footprint and ensure that projects are designed with environmental considerations in mind.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-environmental-impacts-of-constructing-psh-facilities/
