Hydropower energy storage investment ranking

Are pumped storage hydropower plants a key source of electricity storage capacity?

Pumped storage hydropower plants will remain a key source of electricity storage capacity alongside batteries. Global pumped storage capacity from new projects is expected to increase by 7% to 9 TWh by 2030.

Is pumped storage hydropower the world's water battery?

Below are some of the paper's key messages and findings. Pumped storage hydropower (PSH), 'the world’s water battery’, accounts for over 94% of installed global energy storage capacity, and retains several advantages such as lifetime cost, levels of sustainability and scale.

Is hydropower a good investment?

The potential is particularly high in emerging economies and developing economies, reaching almost 60%. Over the life cycle of a power plant, hydropower offers some of the lowest greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy generated – as well as multiple environmental benefits.

Is China still the world's largest hydropower market?

China is set to remain the single largest hydropower market through 2030, accounting for 40% of global capacity growth in our forecast. However, China’s share of global hydropower additions has been declining since its peak of almost 60% between 2001 and 2010.

What is a pumped storage hydropower guidance note?

The guidance note delivers recommendations to reduce risks and enhance certainty in project development and delivery. It also equips key decision-makers with the tools to effectively guide the development of pumped storage hydropower projects and unlock crucial finance mechanisms.

What are the risks of pumped storage hydropower?

“The guidance note raises, amongst others, the key risk to pumped storage hydropower is the difficulty in establishing a firm (bankable) revenue forecast in the absence of government support and regulation or a clear market mechanism.