While closed-loop pumped storage hydropower (PSH) offers several benefits, including lower environmental impacts compared to open-loop systems, it still has some potential drawbacks:
- Impacts on Geology, Soils, and Groundwater: Closed-loop PSH projects, especially those using groundwater or located underground, can have significant impacts on geology, soils, and groundwater quality. This is due to the excavation and construction processes involved in creating reservoirs and tunnels.
- Water Rights and Sourcing Complexity: Securing water rights and sourcing can be complex and contentious, potentially leading to delays. This is particularly pertinent since closed-loop systems do not rely on naturally flowing water but must still source water initially.
- Localized Environmental Effects: Although closed-loop systems reduce large-scale aquatic impacts by not being connected to continuously flowing water sources, they can still affect local terrestrial environments. This includes potential disturbances to local ecosystems during construction.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Materials: The construction of closed-loop PSH facilities involves significant amounts of materials like concrete, steel, and gravel. The production and transportation of these materials contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, although overall emissions are still lower than many other energy storage technologies.
- Community and Indigenous Site Impacts: The siting of these facilities can impact local communities and sacred Indigenous sites. For instance, proposals like the one in Goldendale, Washington, highlight these concerns.
In summary, while closed-loop PSH offers advantages in environmental impact compared to other energy storage options, it still requires careful planning and consideration to mitigate its specific drawbacks.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-potential-drawbacks-of-closed-loop-psh-in-terms-of-environmental-impact/
