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Europe's Power Giants Pledge to Double Hydropower Storage by 2050

Europe's power giants unite to boost hydropower storage. The Paris Pledge aims to double capacity by 2050, enabling reliable renewable energy integration.

In this image we can see a few buildings, there are some poles, lights and windows, at the top of...
In this image we can see a few buildings, there are some poles, lights and windows, at the top of the building it looks like a water tank.

Europe's Power Giants Pledge to Double Hydropower Storage by 2050

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has launched the Paris Pledge, a commitment by over 50 European utilities and energy associations to expand pumped storage hydropower (PSH). The pledge aims to double Europe's PSH capacity by 2050, supporting the continent's green energy transition.

PSH, considered crucial for Europe's renewable energy integration, bridges supply gaps by storing excess energy and releasing it when needed. The Paris Pledge seeks to enable the reliable integration of at least 86% of variable renewable energy sources in Europe's generation mix by 2050.

To achieve this, the pledge advocates for streamlined permitting processes, harmonised at both EU and national levels. It also urges policymakers to remove discriminatory network charges and double grid fees for energy storage technologies, ensuring a level playing field for PSH. Additionally, the pledge calls for the immediate adoption of the Renewable Energy Directive III, including provisions for cross-border cooperation and innovative storage solutions.

With wind and solar power expected to make up around 86% of Europe's generation capacity by 2050, PSH's role in balancing the grid becomes increasingly vital. The Paris Pledge, with its ambitious targets and practical recommendations, signals a collective commitment from Europe's energy sector to accelerate PSH development and support the continent's green energy transition.

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