Pumped hydro energy storage and 100 % renewable electricity for East Asia

Abstract

Rapid cost reductions have led to the widespread deployment of renewable technologies such as solar photovoltaics (PV) and wind globally. Additional storage is needed when the share of solar PV and wind in electricity production rises to 50-100%. Pumped hydro energy storage constitutes 97% of the global capacity of stored power and over 99% of stored energy and is the leading method of energy storage. Off-river pumped hydro energy storage options, strong interconnections over large areas, and demand management can support a highly renewable electricity system at a modest cost. East Asia has abundant wind, solar, and off-river pumped hydro energy resources. The identified pumped hydro energy storage potential is 100 times more than required to support 100% renewable energy in East Asia. Keywords: Photovoltaics, Wind energy, Pumped hydro energy storage, 100% renewable energy