A global atlas of 616,000 pumped hydro energy storage sites

Andrew Blakers, Matt Stocks, Ryan Stocks, Bin Lu, Cheng Cheng

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Paperpeer-review

    Abstract

    As the proportion of wind and solar photovoltaics (PV) in an electrical grid extends into the 30-100% range a combination of additional long-distance high voltage transmission, demand management and storage is required for stability. Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) constitutes 99% of electrical energy storage worldwide because of its low cost compared with alternatives. We have conducted a comprehensive global search for prospective PHES sites. We found 616,000 potentially feasible PHES sites with storage potential of about 23 million Gigawatt-hours (GWh) by using geographic information system (GIS) analysis. This is around 100 times more than required to support a 100% global renewable electricity system.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the ISES Solar World Congress 2019 and IEA SHC International Conference on Solar Heating and Cooling for Buildings and Industry 2019
    EditorsJose Miguel Cardemil, Ken Guthrie, Ricardo Ruther
    PublisherInternational Solar Energy Society
    Pages1117-1121
    Number of pages5
    ISBN (Electronic)9783982040813
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2020
    EventISES Solar World Congress 2019, SWC 2019 and IEA SHC International Conference on Solar Heating and Cooling for Buildings and Industry 2019, SHC 2019 - Santiago, Chile
    Duration: 4 Nov 20197 Nov 2019

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of the ISES Solar World Congress 2019 and IEA SHC International Conference on Solar Heating and Cooling for Buildings and Industry 2019

    Conference

    ConferenceISES Solar World Congress 2019, SWC 2019 and IEA SHC International Conference on Solar Heating and Cooling for Buildings and Industry 2019, SHC 2019
    Country/TerritoryChile
    CitySantiago
    Period4/11/197/11/19

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