To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from pumped hydroelectric energy storage (PHES), the following measures can be implemented based on life cycle assessments and optimization strategies:
1. Prioritize Closed-Loop Systems
Closed-loop PHES (not connected to natural waterways) exhibits the lowest global warming potential among energy storage technologies. These systems avoid methane emissions associated with organic matter decomposition in natural reservoirs and reduce land-use conflicts.
2. Optimize Material Use in Construction
- Low-carbon materials: Substitute high-emission materials (e.g., conventional concrete) with alternatives like geopolymer concrete or recycled steel.
- Efficient design: Minimize reservoir footprint and earthmoving requirements to reduce emissions from construction machinery and material transport.
3. Integrate Renewable Energy for Operations
Power the pumping cycle with wind or solar energy instead of fossil-fuel-dependent grid electricity. This reduces indirect emissions from energy use during storage operations.
4. Enhance Grid Coordination
- Support variable renewables: Use PHES to stabilize grids with high solar/wind penetration, displacing fossil-fueled peaking plants.
- Capacity expansion modeling: Prioritize PHES in regions with abundant renewables to maximize emission reductions (e.g., Spain’s 100% renewable target case study).
5. Improve Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs)
Conduct detailed LCAs during project planning to identify and mitigate emission hotspots, such as material production or transportation.
6. Restore Ecosystems
Address indirect emissions by rehabilitating disturbed lands after construction and avoiding methane-producing reservoirs through careful site selection.
By focusing on low-impact designs, renewable integration, and strategic grid deployment, PHES can further minimize its already low carbon footprint while enabling broader decarbonization efforts.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-measures-can-be-taken-to-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-from-pumped-hydroelectric-energy-storage/
