Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (PHES) Environmental Impacts
Pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) systems have several environmental impacts that vary depending on the type of facility (closed-loop vs. open-loop), construction, and operation phases.
Main Environmental Impacts of PHES
1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Closed-loop PHES systems are among the lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting energy storage technologies, contributing significantly less than other energy storage options.
- The life cycle greenhouse gas emissions are mainly influenced by the electricity used during the pumping phase and the power source’s carbon intensity. As grids transition to more renewable energy, PHES-related emissions are expected to decrease further.
2. Construction Phase Impacts
- The construction of PHES facilities involves substantial use of concrete, steel, and cement, which are major contributors to environmental impacts such as carbon emissions and resource consumption.
- Construction can also lead to ecological disturbances, including river diversion in some cases, alteration of local ecosystems, and risks of flooding.
- Closed-loop systems may avoid some direct impacts on natural flowing water bodies but can raise issues related to water sourcing and rights, affecting aquatic resources and local hydrology.
3. Water Resource Implications
- Open-loop PHES is connected to natural water bodies and can impact aquatic ecosystems through water flow alteration and quality changes. Closed-loop systems are isolated from natural waterways, reducing these impacts but still require water sourcing that can cause delays and disputes.
- Blue water footprint (water consumption) is a relevant consideration in assessing PHES sustainability, particularly for closed-loop systems where water replenishment might be necessary.
4. Ecological and Social Effects
- Dams and reservoirs can alter local ecological systems, impacting fish and wildlife habitats, and may require significant land use changes.
- Social impacts can include displacement or disruption of local communities and changes in land use. Underground PHES options using abandoned mine pits can mitigate some land use impacts but have different environmental trade-offs.
Summary Table of Environmental Impacts
| Impact Category | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Low lifecycle GHG emissions compared to other storage technologies | Lower emissions with cleaner grid energy sources |
| Construction Impacts | High use of concrete, steel, cement; ecological disturbances; potential river diversion | Major environmental burden during construction |
| Water Resource Use | Water sourcing challenges; potential aquatic impacts in open-loop systems | Closed-loop systems minimize river impact |
| Ecological Effects | Habitat alteration, risk of flooding, disruption of local ecosystems | Depends on dam and reservoir design |
| Social Impacts | Land use changes, community disruption, potential benefits from underground systems | Underground PHES can reduce surface impact |
In conclusion, pumped hydroelectric energy storage systems offer a relatively low-carbon energy storage solution essential for renewable integration, but they do have environmental trade-offs mainly related to construction, water usage, and ecological disruptions. Closed-loop systems tend to reduce impacts on natural waterways but face challenges around water sourcing. As renewable penetration increases, PHES environmental impacts are anticipated to decline further.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-environmental-impacts-of-pumped-hydroelectric-energy-storage-systems/
