Publications

Innovative design for low-head seawater pumped hydro energy storage in the North Sea

The growing share of renewable, intermittent power sources requires enhanced grid stability through energy storage technologies, among which Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES) is the most mature and environmentally friendly. The ALPHEUS project (“Augmenting Grid Stability Through Low Head Pumped Hydro Energy Utilization and Storage” , funded by the EU-Horizon (2020) program) focuses on developing an innovative concept to improve Reversible Pump/Turbine (RPT) technology and adjacent civil structures to make PHES economically viable in shallow seas and coastal environments with flat topography. It aims to find suitable sites, innovative dam design and construction methods, considering environmental, social, and investments costs (profitability for potential operators). Further it aims to assess compatibility and integration with intermittent offshore wind and solar energy sources, for a competitive and sustainable energy storage system, aligning with Europe's 2050 climate-neutral objectives, while augmenting grid stability and flexibility.