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One of the major reasons pumped storage isn't used more is because the energy loss associated with pumping and storing the water. I can't find the exact amount
by mlwarren 14y ago
One of the major reasons pumped storage isn't used more is because the energy loss associated with pumping and storing the water. I can't find the exact amount right now but from a lecture I watched some time back[1], pumped storage is a few orders of magnitude more expensive than using conventional fossil fuel generated electricity per kWh.
It's just not very cost effective right now.
[1] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoAFiL1UdSg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoAFiL1UdSg
- maxerickson 14y agoThe orders of magnitude doesn't pass the sniff test. If it were true, utilities would not be building pumped storage capacity. I can certainly believe the capital requirements are much higher for pumped storage than for natural gas peakers.