Author(s): Markus Foerst; Mauro Carolli; Hakon Sundt; Atle Harby
Linked Author(s): Atle Harby
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Hydropower is a vital renewable energy source that can provide both base load and flexibility to buffer the variability of solar and wind power. To meet the growing demand for renewable and dispatchable electricity, both hydropower and storage capacity must be expanded. Pumped storage hydropower will play an increasingly important role in the future energy mix, as it enables energy storage when surplus renewable power is available and rapid release when needed to balance the electrical grid. Currently, only a few pumped storage hydropower stations exist in Norway, mainly designed for seasonal pumping. The latest pumped storage system in Norway was built 20 years ago. Refurbishing existing facilities offers opportunities for upgrades, and there are currently several plans for the installation of pumped storage hydropower in Norway. This abstract presents two planned cases of pumping stations connected to hydropower production with different configurations. The first case will pump water from a lake to a reach that lost its biodiversity due to hydropower regulation. The second case will pump water from a river to a reservoir with the possibility of releasing water back during dry periods. Both cases share a common goal: improving river ecosystems while optimizing hydropower production.
Year: 2026