Material Use and Construction Emissions
The manufacture of concrete, steel, and cement dominates environmental burdens during the construction phase. These materials contribute significantly to emissions and resource use due to energy-intensive production processes.
Energy Mix Dependencies
Construction impacts are indirectly influenced by the electricity grid’s carbon intensity during material production. While not a direct construction-phase issue, the reliance on fossil-fueled grids for material manufacturing amplifies emissions.
Site-Specific Water and Land Impacts
- Ecosystem disruption: While closed-loop systems avoid direct riverine impacts, construction still alters local hydrology and ecosystems.
- Soil and habitat disturbance: Earthworks for reservoirs and tunnels can fragment habitats and increase erosion.
Long-Term Considerations
Operational impacts (e.g., electricity loss during pumping cycles) are influenced by construction quality and design efficiency. These losses account for 80–99% of total environmental emissions over the facility’s lifespan, though this is primarily an operational phase issue.
PHES systems have significantly lower life cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to alternatives like lithium-ion batteries, but construction-phase impacts remain concentrated in material production and land use. Improvements in renewable energy integration during material manufacturing could reduce these burdens.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-environmental-impacts-associated-with-the-construction-of-pumped-hydroelectric-energy-storage-facilities/
