Towards a smarter management of our energy resources
Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) facilities are a mature, sovereign, and sustainable storage solution that contributes to improving the balance between population needs and environmental preservation.
They play a strategic pivotal role in the integration of intermittent renewable energies and the stabilization of electrical grids. This technological solution provides both flexibility and energy efficiency through numerous technical, economic, and environmental advantages.
Operating Principle
The principle of a Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) involves transferring water between two reservoirs located at different altitudes, by exploiting the potential energy of water. During periods of low electricity demand, the surplus energy, which would otherwise be lost (often from inevitable renewable sources like solar or wind), is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir.
When the demand for electricity increases and other energy production sources are no longer sufficient to meet the demand, water is released from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir, passing through turbines that generate electricity.
There are several types of PHS: pure closed-loop PHS, mixed PHS fueled by a river, and marine PHS that use seawater.
The advantages of PHS
Sustainability, flexibility, and responsiveness
This mature technology, dating back to the early 20th century, has long been reliable with low maintenance needs. Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) boasts a lifespan exceeding 70 years, unparalleled compared to other existing storage technologies.
Stabilization of the electrical grid
For all states that have them, Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) is synonymous with energy sovereignty. Indeed, they help reduce reliance on fossil fuels to stabilize electricity transmission networks. They also play an important role in regulating electricity prices.
Numerous economic advantages
For all states that have them, Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) is synonymous with energy sovereignty. Indeed, they help reduce reliance on fossil fuels to stabilize electricity transmission networks. They also play an important role in regulating electricity prices.
Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) is currently the only technology mature and economically viable for massive electrical energy storage. The increasing demand, coupled with the desire to reduce fossil fuel sources and the massive deployment of solar and wind energy, make it an essential component of our future energy landscape.
Hyvity’s choice, in order to reduce the environmental impact of its PHS projects, focuses on the development of small and medium-scale facilities (between 10 to 600 MW), preferably utilizing existing reservoirs.
