Renewable projects gain momentum across Europe
Renewable energy projects in Europe are continuing to expand, with new solar and energy storage developments attracting investment across markets including the UK and Italy.
The growing number of projects reflects increasing interest in technologies that can help renewable power systems manage fluctuations in generation and demand. Energy storage is becoming an increasingly important part of the infrastructure needed to support greater use of renewable electricity.
Energy storage becomes a priority
Portugal is among the countries strengthening its approach to energy storage, with the government recently unveiling a National Energy Storage Strategy.
The strategy identifies long duration energy storage as essential infrastructure for renewable energy based power systems. It also includes plans to expand pumped storage generation, introduce competitive auctions and tenders for future projects, and reform energy permitting processes.
Portugal has set a target of at least 5GW of pumped storage generation capacity by 2040, highlighting the country’s long term commitment to energy storage.
Pumped storage offers flexibility
Pumped storage is attracting renewed attention because of its ability to store electricity and release it when required. The technology uses water reservoirs to generate electricity and can also pump water back uphill when additional storage is needed.
The approach is particularly valuable as countries increase their reliance on intermittent renewable sources such as solar and wind power.
Ukraine brings engineering expertise
The International Hydropower Association has also welcomed Ukrhydroproject as a new member of the organisation, bringing decades of engineering experience to the international hydropower community.
Founded in 1927 and headquartered in Kharkiv, Ukrhydroproject specialises in hydropower, pumped storage facilities and water infrastructure. The company has played a leading role in the development of major hydropower projects in Ukraine and internationally.
Among its major projects is the Dniester pumped storage plant, one of Europe’s largest pumped storage facilities.
Dniester project highlights scale
The Dniester pumped storage plant is being developed by Ukrhydroenergo and is planned to feature seven hydroelectric units.
The facility is expected to have a total capacity of 2,268MW in generator mode and 2,947MW in pumped storage mode, demonstrating the potential scale of pumped hydro as part of Europe’s future energy infrastructure.
A broader renewable energy opportunity
The developments across Europe demonstrate how investment in renewable energy is increasingly extending beyond the generation of electricity itself.
Solar and wind projects are being supported by technologies designed to store power and provide greater flexibility to national electricity systems. At the same time, long established technologies such as pumped storage are receiving renewed attention as countries plan for higher levels of renewable generation.
With governments, investors and energy companies continuing to develop new projects, renewable energy and storage are becoming increasingly important areas of Europe’s long term energy investment landscape.
Source: POWER Magazine
Image: Ukrhydroenergo / POWER Magazine