Pumped Hydroelectric Storage

Abstract Pumped hydroelectric storage (PHES) is the most established technology for utility-scale electricity storage and has been commercially deployed since the 1890s. Since the 2000s, there has been revived interest in developing PHES facilities worldwide. Because most low-carbon electricity resources (e.g., wind, solar, and nuclear) cannot flexibly adjust their output to match fluctuating power demands, there is an increasing need for bulk electricity storage due to the increasing adoption of renewable energy. PHES has been the traditional way of storing energy. This chapter introduces PHES technology, its pros and cons, its historical developments, and its prospects.