Recent high energy prices have highlighted how much Ireland relies on imported fuels for electricity generation. This dependence can be reduced by generating electricity locally using renewable energy sources. However, renewables produce variable amounts of electricity, sometimes resulting in excess power that goes to waste, and other times producing too little.
Pumped Hydro addresses these issues by capturing excess renewable energy and releasing it when renewable generation is low or demand is high, ensuring a greater share of locally generated electricity for consumers and reducing the need for fossil fuel power stations.
Pumped storage is a proven, reliable, and environmentally friendly technology with significant advantages over other energy storage systems. It produces energy without the need for chemicals or scarce minerals and operates with zero emissions and reducing the need for fossil fuel use. Additionally, pumped storage plants have long lifespans, often beyond fifty years.
Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor CINEA can be held responsible for them.
Updated: October 2024
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