Technical Review of Existing Norwegian Pumped Storage Plants

Livia Pitorac, Kaspar Vereide and Leif Lia
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Livia Pitorac: Hydraulic Engineering Research Group, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7031 Trondheim, Norway
Kaspar Vereide: Hydraulic Engineering Research Group, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7031 Trondheim, Norway
Leif Lia: Hydraulic Engineering Research Group, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7031 Trondheim, Norway

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 18, 1-20

Abstract: This paper presents a technical review of the existing pumped storage plants in Norway. The power system is changing towards integrating more and more renewable energy, especially from variable renewable energy sources, leading to new challenges for the security of supply, power, frequency, and voltage regulation. Thus, energy storage options are a highly researched topic in the current situation. Even though there are many energy storage technologies, most are optimal for short term grid balancing, and few are capable of providing long term (weekly or seasonal) storage. One exception is pumped storage, a mature technology capable of delivering both short term and long term energy storage. In this paper, the ten existing pumped storage plants in Norway are presented, several of which are capable of seasonal energy storage. The Norwegian knowledge and experience with pumped storage plants technology is provided as a basis for future research within the field. The review provides information about energy production and storage capabilities, construction costs, specific costs per kW and stored kWh, electromechanical installation, technical specifications, and operational experience with focus on the design of the tunnel system layout. The data presented in this review are unique and previously unpublished. A discussion and conclusions regarding the current situation, trends, and future outlook for pumped storage plants in Norway within the European power market are provided.

Keywords: hydropower; pumped storage; hydropower tunnel systems; seasonal energy storage; renewable energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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