Australia cant reach net zero on optimism alone: pumped hydro needs a bankable pathway - International Hydropower Association

Summary

The following is authored by Rick McElhinney, Chief Executive Officer, Sunshine Hydro – a reflection from the IHA industry leaders meeting at Parliament House, Canberra.

Rick McElhinney speaking at the Australian Hydropower Breakfast, Canberra

Last week, Australias hydropower, finance, engineerin…

Source: International Hydropower Association

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Q1: What is the role of pumped hydro energy storage in achieving Australia's net-zero emissions target?

A1: Pumped hydro energy storage (PHES) plays a crucial role in Australia's strategy to reach net-zero emissions by providing large-scale, reliable energy storage. It helps balance supply and demand by storing excess energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar and dispatching it during peak demand periods. Australia is investing in projects like Snowy 2.0, which aims to provide 2.2 gigawatts of capacity and about 350,000 megawatt-hours of storage, contributing significantly to the national electricity market.

Q2: How does the Snowy 2.0 project contribute to Australia's renewable energy goals?

A2: The Snowy 2.0 project is a significant component of Australia's renewable energy efforts, designed to stabilize the grid and act as a backup during periods when renewable sources are insufficient. It is expected to provide up to 175 hours of temporary supply, offering valuable firming capacity. With its ability to absorb, store, and dispatch energy efficiently, Snowy 2.0 acts like a giant battery, supporting the integration of renewable energy into the grid and helping Australia progress towards its net-zero targets.

Q3: What are the economic implications of developing pumped hydro energy storage systems in Australia?

A3: Developing pumped hydro energy storage systems, such as Snowy 2.0, involves substantial economic investments, with Snowy 2.0 alone estimated to cost AU$12 billion. These projects can create jobs, stimulate local economies, and attract investments in infrastructure. However, they also face challenges such as high initial costs and the need for strategic planning to ensure cost-effectiveness and integration with existing energy systems. Despite these challenges, the long-term benefits include energy security, reduced emissions, and potential revenue from energy storage services.

Q4: What are the latest technological advancements in pumped hydro energy storage?

A4: Recent advancements in pumped hydro energy storage include the integration of cascade-pumped micro-hydro storage systems, which use intermediate reservoirs to efficiently manage energy in areas with high elevation but limited horizontal distance. This approach maximizes energy capture and storage potential in geographically constrained locations, enhancing both energy generation and water management. These systems are being optimized to address engineering challenges and improve energy transfer efficiency, making them more viable in diverse geographical settings.

Q5: How does pumped hydro energy storage compare with other energy storage solutions in terms of capacity and efficiency?

A5: Pumped hydro energy storage remains the largest-capacity form of grid energy storage worldwide, accounting for around 95% of all active storage installations as of 2020. Its round-trip efficiency ranges from 70% to 80%. While battery energy storage systems (BESS) are rapidly catching up in power generation capacity, pumped hydro offers immense storage capacity with longer-duration discharge capabilities, making it a vital component of large-scale energy management and grid stability.

Q6: What are the environmental impacts of implementing large-scale pumped hydro projects?

A6: Large-scale pumped hydro projects can have significant environmental impacts, including alterations to local ecosystems and landscapes. The construction of dams and reservoirs can affect water flow and aquatic habitats. However, when designed with environmental considerations in mind, these projects can also offer ecological benefits such as flood control and habitat creation. Environmental assessments and sustainable planning are crucial to minimizing negative impacts while maximizing the positive contributions to renewable energy generation.

Q7: What challenges does Australia face in expanding its pumped hydro energy storage capacity?

A7: Australia faces several challenges in expanding its pumped hydro energy storage capacity, including high upfront capital costs, environmental impacts, and regulatory hurdles. The Snowy 2.0 project, for instance, has encountered cost overruns and construction delays. Additionally, finding suitable geographical locations for new projects and managing the integration of pumped hydro with other renewable energy sources and existing infrastructure are ongoing challenges. Addressing these issues requires coordinated policy efforts and continued technological innovation.

References:

Pumped-storage hydroelectricity - Wikipedia
Snowy 2.0 Pumped Storage Power Station - Wikipedia
Privacy-Preserving Energy Storage Sharing with Blockchain and Secure Multi-Party Computation
Integrating Cascade Pumped Micro-Hydro Storage: A Sustainable Approach to Energy and Water Management