The main environmental impacts during the construction phase of pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) primarily stem from the materials used and the physical footprint of the infrastructure. Key impacts include:
- High use of construction materials: The construction phase involves significant consumption of concrete, steel, and cement, which are associated with considerable environmental burdens such as greenhouse gas emissions and energy use during their production.
- Land disturbance and habitat disruption: Building reservoirs, tunnels, and associated infrastructure causes physical alteration of land, potentially impacting terrestrial and aquatic habitats. This is especially relevant for open-loop systems connected to natural water bodies, but can also occur in closed-loop systems.
- Water sourcing and aquatic resource impacts: In closed-loop systems, water sourcing can lead to delays and environmental contention related to water rights and aquatic ecosystems. Although closed-loop systems have reduced interaction with natural water bodies, initial water filling and management may still affect aquatic resources.
- Indirect greenhouse gas emissions: While PHES generally has low life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, the emissions associated with materials manufacturing and construction activities contribute notably during this phase, though they are usually outweighed by long-term operational benefits.
Overall, the construction phase environmental impacts are driven by resource extraction and manufacturing for materials like cement and steel, land and water system modifications, and associated emissions. Advances in renewable energy integration and improvements in construction practices are expected to reduce these impacts over time.
Thus, the main environmental impacts during the construction of pumped hydroelectric energy storage are material-related emissions (concrete, steel, cement), land and habitat disruption, and water sourcing effects, particularly for closed-loop facilities.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-main-environmental-impacts-during-the-construction-phase-of-pumped-hydroelectric-energy-storage/
