Defining the Cycle

Choosing a Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) system depends entirely on your geography and environmental goals. Basically, there are two main types: Open-Loop and Closed-Loop. At asumb, we analyze your land to determine which technology offers the highest ROI and the lowest risk.

1. Open-Loop PSH: Leveraging Natural Waterways

An Open-Loop system is physically connected to a naturally flowing water source, such as a river or a lake.

• The Benefit: You only need to build one new reservoir (the upper one). Consequently, the initial construction cost is often lower.
• The Capacity: These systems can handle massive amounts of energy because the lower reservoir (the river) is practically inexhaustible.
• The Downside: Environmental regulations are much stricter. Specifically, you must ensure that pumping does not harm the local fish population or river ecology.

Example: The Goldisthal Station (Germany). It uses a river as its lower reservoir.

• Capacity: 1,060 Megawatts (MW).
• Production: It generates approximately 2,000 GWh per year, providing massive stability to the German grid.

2. Closed-Loop PSH: The Independent «Water Battery»

A Closed-Loop system consists of two reservoirs that are isolated from any natural river. Once the system is filled with water, it cycles the same water back and forth indefinitely.

• The Benefit: Environmental impact is minimal. Therefore, getting permits is much faster and easier. You can build them in abandoned mines or dry valleys.
• The Capacity: Limited by the size of your man-made reservoirs.
• The Downside: You must build two reservoirs from scratch. However, this is offset by much lower ecological compliance costs.

Example: The Kidston PSH Project (Australia). Built in a former gold mine.

• Capacity: 250 Megawatts (MW).
• Storage: It provides 2,000 MWh of storage, enough to power 100,000 homes for 8 hours. Clearly, it is a perfect example of turning a «dead» land asset into a goldmine.

3. Comparison at a Glance

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