As wind and solar energy production rises, it drives the need for large-scale energy storage. Pumped storage hydropower implemented by Black & Veatch is a safe, efficient, long-life, and proven solution that facilitates the shift to renewables by balancing generation with demand and supporting electric grid efficiency and stability.
With more than 25 years of experience on pumped-storage facilities around the world, Black & Veatch can fill any project role, including Engineer of Record and Owner’s Engineer, providing critical technical capabilities and full turnkey EPC.
With our leadership in the development of renewable energy projects, we are uniquely positioned and qualified to support the integration of pumped storage in a client’s overall power portfolio. We bring significant experience in:
- Understanding today’s pump turbine equipment market and procurement approach
- Transient analysis of the water conductor systems and hydraulic design of inlet/outlet structures
- Geotechnical and dam engineering for the powerhouse and upper and lower reservoirs
- Tunnel and underground structure engineering
- Powerhouse design using 3D CADD to optimize space utilization in the powerhouse
- Grid integration and interconnection
Pumped Energy Storage
- Balances generation and demand. Stores and dispatches energy as needed.
- Improves transmission efficiency. Uses existing transmission lines more completely.
- Stabilizes the electric grid. Saves equipment from damage.
- Shifts power supply over long periods. Reduces the need for curtailment.
Gordon Butte Pumped Storage Hydro Project
Renewable energy sources are key to fueling our power grid. However, renewable sources such as solar and wind can be variable, and keeping the power supply in balance with demand is pivotal to keeping the electric grid stable and reliable.
With Absaroka Energy LLC in Montana, Black & Veatch is helping to plan a pumped storage scheme that will store and deliver renewable energy while balancing out the ebbs and flows of supply and demand. It’s a closed loop system that works like a rechargeable water battery, and its benefits can be significant.
Pumped Energy Storage: Vital to California’s Renewable Energy Future
California is a world leader in renewable energy. The state already sources nearly one-third of its power from renewables, mainly solar and wind. With recent legislation in place, renewable energy will increase to 60 percent or more by 2030. In tandem with renewable energy goals, the state is striving for 100 percent clean energy by 2045 to fight global warming.
The central purpose of this paper is to articulate the opportunities and challenges for large-scale energy storage in the evolving California grid. In particular, this paper examines the need for a decisive push to deploy pumped energy storage. The lead times for such projects are long. Having projects operationally starting in the mid 2020s requires clearer policy and market signals today.
Hydro Generator Expertise
Black & Veatch has assembled a staff with decades of experience and expertise in the fundamental design and care of hydroelectric generators.
Dams, Levees and Reservoirs
Whether it’s for drinking, irrigation, flood control, recreation or hydropower, water is always the most important component.
Modular Hydropower System
The hydropower-in-a-box solution features a modular design, a unique foundation approach and readily available turbine generator technology.
FERC Hydropower Licensing Project
Black & Veatch’s FERC hydropower project licensing team provides the regulatory, environmental and engineering expertise.
Hydropower Facility License Planning
Our LSA process has proven to be highly effective in organizing a successful FERC relicensing effort.
Hydropower & Hydraulic Structures
We are a global leader in both energy and water facilities, and clients worldwide have looked to us for hydropower solutions for more than 40 years.
Spillway and Outlet Works Design
For a dam to safely serve its intended purposes, each component must operate harmoniously with the entire reservoir and watershed system.
Small & Micro Hydropower
Achieve higher operating efficiencies, meet your sustainability objectives, reduce your carbon footprint, and maintain system reliability.
Hydropower Asset Management
We focus on key tenets of effective asset management programs and assist hydropower organizations with solutions to their diverse needs.
Pumped Storage Hydropower
We offer a safe, efficient, long-life, and proven solution by balancing generation with demand and supporting electric grid efficiency and stability.
