European trade organization Scottish Renewables has announced a call for a new body intended to examine the potential of pumped-storage hydroelectric power within the United Kingdom.
The group has asked the UK and Scottish governments to form joint panel to review how pumped-storage could benefit Europe.
The UK’s pumped-storage sector could equate to nearly US$1.7 billion in investments while creating hundreds of jobs during construction and operation, Scottish Renewables said, though pumped-storage is not currently recognized by the UK’s new Electricity Market Reform (EMR) framework.
“The case for new pumped-storage has never been stronger than it is today,” Scottish Renewables Senior Policy Manager Joss Blamire said. “That is why the renewables industry is calling on the UK and Scottish governments to establish an inter-governmental panel to consider how this technology should be supported for the benefit of our energy security, environment and the consumer.”
A position paper released during Scottish Renewables’ recent meeting in Perth is available via the group’s website here.
The paper highlights a number of pumped-storage’s unique attributes, including its ability to provide balancing and reactive energy, and how it can be used to increase the effectiveness of the UK’s other renewable sources.
“This tried and tested energy storage technology can also help facilitate our transition to a low-carbon future, ensuring that renewable energy can be stored when it is generated and used as required,” Blamire said.
The organization said it has also written to Minister of Energy, Enterprise and Tourism Fergus Ewing and Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey, encouraging them to establish the review panel.
