Pumped storage:

To enlarge image, click here
Source: Pacific Power.

Pumped storage schemes have been developed to store and release excess water for hydro-electricity. Water is moved between two reservoirs at different elevations. During times of low electricity demand, water is pumped and stored in the higher reservoir. When electricity demand increases again, water is released back into the lower reservoir through a turbine, generating hydro-electricity. Some facilities use abandoned mines as the lower reservoir, but many use the height difference between two natural bodies of water or artificial reservoirs.

Pumped storage schemes are viable economic propositions if they are cheaper to build and operate than alternative peak load sources, such as gas turbine plants. The savings over the project’s lifetime must offset the capital cost and make allowances for the losses within the pumped storage cycle. Low cost off-peak electricity must be available for pumping, together with adequate water supplies and suitable locations for the reservoirs.

The first use of pumped storage was in the 1890s in Italy and Switzerland. There are now several pumped storage schemes in the eastern states of Australia. They include:

• The Bendeela Pumping and Power Station (New South Wales).
• The Kangaroo Valley Pumping and Power Station (NSW).
• Jindabyne Pumping Storage System (NSW).
• Tumut 3 Pumping and Power Station (NSW).
• Wivenhoe Pumping and Power Station (Queensland).

^ back to top ^