Europe’s increasing wet weather is creating both challenges and opportunities for hydropower. While run-of-river systems may benefit from higher flows, extreme events can damage equipment or reduce generation capacity. However, pumped storage hydropower (PSH) offers potential for grid flexibility and climate resilience. Despite environmental concerns, PSH is gaining attention as a way to mitigate the effects of climate change on the water cycle.
The Hydro-pumped Storage Plants market is expected to grow significantly due to the increasing demand for electrical energy and the need for grid support from intermittent renewables. Hydro-pumped storage, which includes pump back plants and conventional hydroelectric dams, plays a crucial role in balancing energy supply and demand by storing excess electrical energy during off-peak hours and releasing it during peak demand. These systems are essential baseload sources, providing power quality and grid stability.
