Pumped Hydro Storage: Energy in Motion
Discover how water reservoirs store renewable energy and provide grid stability for the clean energy transition
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Section 1 of 5What is Pumped Hydro Storage?
Pumped hydro storage is the world's most established and widely deployed form of large-scale energy storage. It works by using excess electricity to pump water uphill into a higher reservoir, then releasing that water through turbines to generate electricity when needed.
Think of it as a massive water battery: during times of low electricity demand or high renewable generation, water is pumped uphill, storing potential energy. When demand spikes or renewable generation drops, the water flows downhill, spinning turbines to produce electricity on demand.
The Giant Battery of the Grid
Pumped hydro provides the backbone for renewable energy integration, offering gigawatt-scale storage capacity and hours-to-days of energy storage duration. It's the technology that makes the clean energy transition possible at grid scale.
Interactive Pumped Hydro System Simulator
Pumped Hydro System Simulator
How It Works
- • Charging: Pump water uphill during low demand
- • Storage: Water acts as potential energy battery
- • Discharging: Release water to generate power on demand
- • Efficiency: ~75-85% round-trip efficiency
Key Advantages
- • Scalability: GW-scale storage capacity
- • Duration: Hours to days of storage
- • Reliability: Proven technology, 100+ years
- • Cost: $50-150/kWh depending on site