Assessment of renewable electricity generation by pumped storage power plants in EU Member States

Abstract

This paper studies pumped storage plants (PSPs) operating all over the EU, in which the key statistical indicators can be found in the European Hydropower database (HYDI), administered and managed by the European Small Hydropower Association (ESHA). The main emphasis is on mixed-type PSPs, which generate electricity from natural inflow; however, pure PSP plants are included in this study. Different analysed, independent PSP data sources (e.g., Eurostat, Eurelectric) show a great variation in the main statistical values (installed capacity and power generation) of the EU pumped storage plant fleet. Presented and analysed PSP layouts and a clear methodology for determining renewable electricity generation from mixed pumped storage plants will avoid ambiguities that actually pertain to power databases to clearly separate renewable and non-renewable electricity generation. Most of the National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAP) submitted to the European Commission do not correctly account for renewable electricity generation due to natural inflow into upper basins of PSPs. Moreover, renewable and non-renewable electricity generation types are mixed up. The operating mixed PSP installed capacity and electricity generation were determined in the EU countries, which is a type of renewable source, and their projected estimates in 2020 are provided.