Pumped hydro storage (PHS), a major form of grid-scale energy storage, has both positive and negative environmental impacts.
Positive Environmental Impacts
- Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: PHS systems, particularly closed-loop configurations, have been shown to have lower life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to other large-scale energy storage technologies, such as lithium-ion batteries.
- Renewable Energy Support: By storing energy generated from renewable sources, PHS helps stabilize the grid and supports the integration of variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar, contributing to a cleaner energy mix.
Negative Environmental Impacts
- Alteration of Water Courses and Ecosystems: The construction of dams and reservoirs associated with open-loop PHS systems can significantly alter natural water flows, impacting local ecosystems and river habitats.
- Habitat Disruption: Creation of large reservoirs can lead to displacement of wildlife and local communities by disrupting existing habitats and interfering with aquatic life.
- Closed-Loop Impacts: While closed-loop systems are generally less environmentally disruptive than open-loop systems because they are not continuously connected to a naturally flowing water source, they can still have localized environmental impacts such as effects on geology, soils, and groundwater.
Mitigation Efforts
To minimize environmental impacts, closed-loop systems are often preferred as they offer greater siting flexibility and potentially reduce aquatic and terrestrial impacts. Additionally, using existing infrastructure, such as abandoned mines, can help mitigate some of the environmental drawbacks associated with PHS development.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-environmental-impacts-of-pumped-hydro-storage-2/
