pumped storage
Pumped Storage Hydropower
The Future of Hydro in Hawai‘i
Given the ample elevation variations and abundant solar energy across our islands, the future of hydro in Hawai‘i holds great promise with a technology known as Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH).
Pacific Hydro has been involved in several designs for largescale pumped storage projects, and while none have yet to be built due to the complex local permitting process, we remain optimistic. We envision a future where Hawai‘i will join the rest of the U.S. in adopting this highly efficient use of hydropower to supplement and make resilient our power grids.
At-a-Glance
Pumped Storage Hydropower
How does Pumped Storage Hydropower Work?
Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) enables hydroelectricity to be stored for use at times of peak demand. It involves two water reservoirs at different elevations that can generate power as water moves downhill (discharge), passing through a turbine that generates electricity. The system also requires power as it pumps water back into the upper reservoir (recharge) and can dispatch this recharge to coincide with moments of greater energy availability. PSH acts like a giant battery because it can store and release power when needed. See a video about PSH here.
What Does PSH Mean for Renewable Energy?
PSH is pivotal in our energy landscape, contributing significantly to creating a clean, flexible, and reliable energy grid. It provides energy storage and other grid services that can seamlessly integrate additional renewable resources, such as wind and solar. As the only currently commercialized technology for long-duration storage, PSH offers a reassuring solution that may become increasingly valuable as the power system evolves to include more variable renewables.