Environmental Benefits of Closed-Loop Pumped Hydro Storage
Closed-loop pumped hydro storage (PSH) is an energy storage technology that offers several environmental benefits, particularly in the context of transitioning to renewable energy sources. Here are some of the main advantages:
- Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Closed-loop PSH systems have been identified as having the lowest life cycle greenhouse gas emissions among energy storage technologies. This makes them a crucial component in reducing carbon footprints and supporting climate goals.
- Minimal Impact on Natural Water Bodies: Unlike open-loop systems, closed-loop PSH does not require connection to a naturally flowing water body, thereby minimizing impacts on aquatic habitats.
- Support for Renewable Energy Integration: By providing grid-scale storage, closed-loop PSH can help stabilize the grid and enable the integration of more renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This reduces the need for fossil fuels and helps mitigate climate change.
- Longevity and Resilience: PSH facilities can have a lifespan of 80 to 100 years, offering long-term reliability and resilience in energy storage, contributing to stable grid operations and reducing the reliance on less sustainable energy storage options.
- Flexibility in Site Selection: Closed-loop systems can be constructed on both greenfield and brownfield sites, with brownfield sites potentially offering a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due to reduced land use impacts.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-environmental-benefits-of-closed-loop-pumped-hydro-storage/
