energy and renewables

Pumped Hydro Energy Storage (PHES)

Pumped storage is method of storing electrical energy as potential energy by pumping water from a reservoir or lake to another reservoir at a higher elevation and storing it for use in generating electricity when required. Base-load power is used to pump water at off-peak times, which is then released through turbines to provide electrical power at times of peak demand. Turlough Hill pumped storage plant in Wicklow is a good example of this type of system. The concept is widely used throughout the world and has proven to be very successful for peak shaving and the provision of a range of additional ancillary services. As with all hydro schemes, pumped storage systems can respond very rapidly to surges in demand. The Dinorwig PHES in Wales can achieve its full output of 1,800MW in 16 seconds.

Pumped storage is currently the most effective method of storing large quantities of energy. This type of facility will be essential for the successful integration of variable energy sources such as wind and wave if Ireland is to meet the government Renewable Energy (RE) targets set in the 2007 White Paper on Energy and the more recent RE target of 40% announced as part of the new government strategy on Green Energy.

Malachy Walsh and Partners is currently working on two pumped storage projects and on feasibility studies for pumped storage projects at a number of other potential sites in Ireland.

Malachy Walsh and Partners can provide the following services for clients:

• Feasibility studies
• Scheme design
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Planning consultancy and planning application
• Detailed design
• Project Management