Global resource potential of seasonal pumped hydropower storage for energy and water storage

Julian D. Hunt (), Edward Byers, Yoshihide Wada, Simon Parkinson, David E. H. J. Gernaat, Simon Langan, Detlef P. Vuuren and Keywan Riahi
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Julian D. Hunt: International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Edward Byers: International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Yoshihide Wada: International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Simon Parkinson: International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
David E. H. J. Gernaat: Utrecht University
Simon Langan: International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
Detlef P. Vuuren: Utrecht University
Keywan Riahi: International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Seasonal mismatches between electricity supply and demand is increasing due to expanded use of wind, solar and hydropower resources, which in turn raises the interest on low-cost seasonal energy storage options. Seasonal pumped hydropower storage (SPHS) can provide long-term energy storage at a relatively low-cost and co-benefits in the form of freshwater storage capacity. We present the first estimate of the global assessment of SPHS potential, using a novel plant-siting methodology based on high-resolution topographical and hydrological data. Here we show that SPHS costs vary from 0.007 to 0.2 US$ m−1 of water stored, 1.8 to 50 US$ MWh−1 of energy stored and 370 to 600 US$ kW−1 of installed power generation. This potential is unevenly distributed with mountainous regions demonstrating significantly more potential. The estimated world energy storage capacity below a cost of 50 US$ MWh−1 is 17.3 PWh, approximately 79% of the world electricity consumption in 2017.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14555-y

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