Batteries get hyped, but pumped hydro provides the vast majority of long-term energy storage essential for renewable power – here’s how it works

When it comes to long term energy storage, pumped hydro is looking more beneficial when compared to batteries. Joe Biden and his administration have a goal to cut the greenhouse gas emissions in half within 10 years. We are seeing new technology developed with both wind and solar power in mind. However, pumped hydro energy storage might be the best option between all of these as only a few hundred sites are needed to support an entirely renewable electricity system in the United States.

Key Takeaways:

• Water is pumped into an uphill reservoir, then released downhill through turbines when energy is needed.
• Because closed-looped pumped hydro doesn’t require access to a river, it doesn’t require dams.
• Reservoirs can be built new, or existing reservoirs, old mining sites or lakes can be used.

“While battery innovations get a lot of attention, there’s a simple, proven long-term storage technique that’s been used in the U.S. since the 1920s.”

Read more: https://theconversation.com/batteries-get-hyped-but-pumped-hydro-provides-the-vast-majority-of-long-term-energy-storage-essential-for-renewable-power-heres-how-it-works-174446