This is true - but pumped hydro has limitations on where it can be built, meaning it becomes constrained on transmission. So, in theory it is super awesome, but

This is true - but pumped hydro has limitations on where it can be built, meaning it becomes constrained on transmission. So, in theory it is super awesome, but in practice you need to include the cost of many years of litigation to navigate the balkanized US system for permitting power lines. Not to say it's not a good option in many cases, just to say that it's not a panacea. Somewhat related: I cannot plug The Energy Transition Show (https://xenetwork.org/ets/ https://xenetwork.org/ets/) podcast enough on subjects like this. It's the only podcast I pay for. Each episode the guest will be some PhD or similar in whatever the subject is, always super in-depth. Highly recommended.