In a transformative push for sustainable energy, the European electricity industry has united under a groundbreaking initiative to champion pumped storage hydropower (PSH) as a cornerstone of the continent’s clean energy transition. This collective effort, driven by the International Hydropower Association (IHA) and Eurelectric, has garnered support from over 50 major utilities, suppliers, and energy associations, including industry giants like EDP, EDF, Iberdrola, and Enel. The pledge serves as a powerful call to action for the European Union and national governments to foster an environment conducive to PSH development. By enhancing grid stability, reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and balancing the fluctuating output of renewable sources such as wind and solar, this initiative aims to secure a reliable and affordable energy future. The urgency of long-duration storage solutions has never been clearer, and PSH stands out as a proven technology ready to meet these pressing demands.
Driving the Clean Energy Transition
The critical role of long-duration electricity storage in achieving a sustainable energy landscape cannot be overstated, and PSH emerges as the most effective and scalable solution currently available. Accounting for over 90% of the world’s capacity for such storage, PSH already boasts an impressive 48 GW of installed capacity across Europe, out of a global total of 190 GW, with the ability to store 1.2 TWh within the EU alone. As variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar are projected to dominate 86% of Europe’s production capacity by mid-century, the need for robust storage to ensure grid resilience becomes paramount. PSH not only supports energy security but also proves indispensable during crises, as demonstrated during a significant blackout in the Iberian Peninsula on April 28. In that event, facilities in Spain and Portugal played a vital role in power generation and grid recovery through their unique “black start” capability, enabling systems to restart independently of external power sources.
Beyond its proven track record, PSH is poised for substantial growth, with a clear vision to double Europe’s capacity over the next few decades, provided there is strong political will and supportive frameworks in place. Currently, 78 projects are in various stages of development across the EU, Switzerland, Norway, and Turkey, representing over 32 GW of capacity in the EU alone and a combined storage potential exceeding 700 GWh. This equates to more than 10 hours of consumption for nations like Italy and Spain combined. Of these projects, 3.9 GW are ready to build, while 2.8 GW are actively under construction, signaling a robust pipeline for expansion. The emphasis on PSH reflects a strategic approach to managing the intermittency of renewables, ensuring that the grid remains stable even as the energy mix shifts dramatically. This ambitious trajectory underscores the technology’s potential to reshape the energy sector if barriers to implementation are addressed effectively.
Shaping Policy for Storage Solutions
A key pillar of this industry-driven initiative is the urgent call for tailored policy measures to unlock the full potential of PSH in Europe. Signatories advocate for the EU to enact dedicated legislation that differentiates between long-duration, short-duration, and other storage solutions, ensuring that each is addressed according to its unique contributions and challenges. Additionally, there is a strong push for member states to fairly compensate providers for essential system services and security of supply across all time frames. Eliminating double grid fees on storage technologies and streamlining permitting processes for PSH projects are also critical recommendations. These steps are seen as vital to accelerating the deployment of storage infrastructure, which in turn supports the broader goals of decarbonization and energy independence. Without such reforms, the pace of progress risks falling short of what is needed to meet ambitious sustainability targets.
The consensus among stakeholders highlights a shared understanding that significant investment and policy support are non-negotiable for transitioning to a renewables-dominated power system. The growing adoption of renewable energy sources amplifies the demand for reliable storage, and PSH stands out due to its scalability and existing infrastructure. Yet, concerns linger about potential grid instability if these solutions are not prioritized. Optimism, however, is fueled by the substantial number of projects in development, which could transform the energy landscape with the right backing. The narrative around PSH is one of opportunity tempered by urgency, as delays in policy action could hinder Europe’s ability to balance supply and demand effectively. Addressing these policy gaps is not just a technical necessity but a strategic imperative to ensure that the clean energy transition remains both feasible and resilient in the face of evolving challenges.
Building a Resilient Energy Tomorrow
Reflecting on the strides made through this unified industry effort, it’s evident that the commitment to PSH marks a turning point in addressing Europe’s energy storage needs. The technology’s unmatched capacity for long-duration storage and its pivotal role in maintaining grid stability during critical moments have been repeatedly affirmed through real-world applications and data-driven projections. The extensive pipeline of projects, coupled with clear policy recommendations, lays a strong foundation for scaling up infrastructure to meet future demands.
Looking ahead, the focus must shift to actionable implementation, with governments and regulators urged to prioritize legislation that supports storage technologies like PSH. Streamlining processes and ensuring fair compensation for system services could accelerate project timelines, while sustained collaboration between industry and policymakers will be key to overcoming remaining hurdles. The path to doubling capacity by mid-century remains within reach, provided these steps are taken with urgency and precision to secure a sustainable energy system for generations to come.
