Pumped storage hydropower – a proven and reliable technology
Pumped storage hydro power represents nearly 95 per cent of global energy storage. There are more than 100 projects underway globally as more countries embrace this tried-and-true technology.
Pumped storage has been utilized for more than a century. According to the International Hydropower Association, over 189,000 megawatts (MW) of pumped storage capacity exists worldwide today, including 175 MW right here in Ontario.
In Ontario’s integrated energy plan, Energy for Generations, pumped storage is identified as a key component of achieving a cleaner, more reliable electricity system for Ontario, “the Ontario Pumped Storage Project would complement other actions government is taking to meet rising demand, including pre-development work for new large-scale nuclear stations at Bruce Power’s site and OPG’s Wesleyville site in Port Hope. Building new large scale nuclear, including Bruce C, would provide the large amounts of clean, zero-emissions power necessary to fill the storage facility.”
Technology
How pumped storage works
The proposed project would provide 1,000 MW of flexible, reliable energy to Ontario’s electricity system using a technology known as pumped storage. It would be designed to store excess baseload generation — energy that is typically exported at a loss or entirely wasted. That stored energy would then provide electricity back to Ontarians when they need it most.
Once operating, the proposed facility would withdraw water from Georgian Bay, temporarily store it in a newly constructed upper reservoir, and later return the water to Georgian Bay. During periods of low electricity demand, water would be pumped upslope from Georgian Bay through enclosed pipes to the upper reservoir. When demand for electricity is high, the water is released down through the same pipes to generate electricity for the grid.
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