The Joint Research Centre and University College Cork (Ireland) published a joint study which includes their findings on a new methodology to assess the pumped hydropower storage (PHS) which is currently the only widespread, large-scale electricity storage technology. The study also provides case studies for Croatia and Turkey.

The “Pumped-hydro energy storage: potential for transformation from single dams” report describes a new methodology to assess the European potential for pumped hydropower, a type of electricity storage, and provides case studies for Croatia and Turkey. The report has been jointly published by Joint Research Centre (JRC) and University College Cork (Ireland). The applied methodology shows that the pumped hydropower storage (PHS) potential of Croatia is 60 GWh, which is three times higher than current capacity of 20 GWh. Turkey’s potential is estimated at 3,800 GWh, noting that there are no PHS plants operating in Turkey. In October 2009, the EIB provided $211 million for clean energy generation project in Panama including hydropower.

According to the JRC, a larger storage capacity would enable a wider penetration of non-dispatchable renewable energies (such as wind, which cannot be dispatched under request) and contribute to decarbonisation of the electricity system. The fastest growing renewables – solar and wind – depend on natural resources that are not necessarily available when electricity is most needed. Therefore the possibility to use the generated energy during times of increasing demand becomes extremely important.

Pumping water from a lower to a higher elevation reservoir during off-peak electricity demand periods transforms electricity into potential energy, which in turn can be re-converted to electricity in periods of high demand. This system, known as pumped hydropower storage (PHS) is currently the only widespread, large-scale electricity storage technology. Using wind and solar energy to transfer the water to the higher reservoir will support greener electricity generation. In addition, large-scale energy storage will help reach the 2020 EU energy targets of 20% energy generated from renewable sources.