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Pumped-storage Hydro-electricity, Projects

Several pumped storage hydropower (PSH) systems are currently under construction, reflecting the growing global emphasis on renewable energy storage and grid stability. Here are some notable projects:

  1. Snowy 2.0 in Australia: This is a major expansion of the existing Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme. It aims to link two existing dams, Tantangara and Talbingo, through underground tunnels and an underground power station. The project will add 2,000 MW of capacity and 350,000 MWh of storage, which is expected to power approximately 3 million homes over a week[4][7].
  1. Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project in Queensland, Australia: Located at a former gold mine, this project is notable for its innovative use of an old mine site. It will have a capacity to deliver up to 4.5 gigalitres of water to spin the project's turbines, and it is set to feed into the National Electricity Market in early 2025[5].
  1. Zero Terrain in Estonia: This project is notable for being constructed underground in Paldiski, which minimizes environmental and land-use impacts. It will have a capacity of 550 MW and aims to significantly lower consumers’ electricity bills while providing a reliable energy supply[4].
  1. Pumped Hydro Microgrid in Walpole, Western Australia: This project is smaller in scale, referred to as ‘mini hydro’, with a capacity of 1.5 MW. It is designed to improve power reliability for homes and businesses in Walpole[4].

These projects illustrate the diverse applications and scales of pumped storage hydropower, from large-scale national projects to smaller, community-focused installations. They play a critical role in enhancing grid resilience and integrating renewable energy sources effectively[4][5][7].

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pumped-storage_hydroelectricity

[2] https://www.energy.gov/eere/water/pumped-storage-hydropower

[3] https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/nsw-plans-and-progress/major-state-projects/pumped-hydro-roadmap

[4] https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/features/exploring-latest-developments-in-global-pumped-storage-projects/

[5] https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-09-30/what-is-pumped-hydro-queensland-renewable-energy-plan/101488110

[6] https://www.wsp.com/en-au/insights/a-new-dawn-for-pumped-hydro-in-australia

[7] https://arena.gov.au/renewable-energy/pumped-hydro-energy-storage/