Assessment of the European potential for pumped hydropower energy storage : a GIS-based assessment of pumped hydropower storage potential

This report presents the results of the assessment for PHS in Europe under certain topologies and scenarios. The results show that the theoretical potential in Europe is significant. We studied two different topologies. Under topology 1 the theoretical potential energy stored reaches 54 TWh for a maximum of 20 km between existing reservoirs; of this potential approximately 11 TWh correspond to the EU and 37 TWh to candidate countries. Under topology 2 the European theoretical potential reaches 123 TWh when the distance between the existing reservoir and the prospective site is up to 20 km. Unlike topology 1, in topology 2 the majority of this potential (50%) lays within the EU. The realisable potential accounts for reduced potential sites too close to a centre of population, protected natural areas or transport infrastructure. For topology 1 and scenario 20 km the realisable potential is halved to 29 TWh, whereas topology 2 is slightly less affected and still reaches 80 TWh of which 33 TWh in the EU.