The construction of pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES) facilities can have several potential environmental impacts:
- Ecological disruption and habitat alteration: The construction of dams and reservoirs for PHES can alter local ecosystems. Dams may require river diversions during construction, leading to disruptions in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. This can affect biodiversity and ecological balance in the area.
- Water resource impacts: For closed-loop PHES systems, sourcing water can be complicated due to water rights issues and potential impacts on aquatic resources. Changes in water availability or quality may affect local water bodies and ecosystems.
- Flood risk: Construction activities and the presence of large reservoirs carry risks of major flooding during or after construction. This poses concerns for downstream communities and environments.
- Material-related environmental burdens: The construction phase involves significant use of concrete, steel, and cement, which contribute substantially to environmental emissions and resource depletion. These factors are major contributors to the overall environmental footprint of PHES projects.
- Greenhouse gas emissions: While PHES has comparatively low life cycle greenhouse gas emissions relative to other energy storage technologies, emissions can still arise during construction and operation, particularly from materials manufacturing and electricity losses during pumping cycles.
- Potential delayed and contentious water sourcing: Especially for closed-loop systems, securing sufficient water can lead to delays and disputes, highlighting socioeconomic and environmental complexities.
In summary, the major environmental impacts of constructing pumped hydroelectric energy storage facilities stem from ecosystem disruption from dam construction, water resource challenges, flood risks, and material-intensive construction emissions. However, PHES generally offers a lower greenhouse gas footprint compared to other energy storage options, especially as grids incorporate more renewable energy.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-potential-environmental-impacts-of-constructing-pumped-hydroelectric-energy-storage-facilities/
