Does China have pumped storage projects?

Global map showing a concentration of planned pumped storage projects in China. In 2021, China released an ambitious plan to roll out pumped storage nationwide in an effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. China’s momentum has allowed it to surpass Europe’s capacity for pumped storage.

Will China's pumped storage strategy reduce coal use?

China’s pumped storage strategy won’t directly equate to a reduction in coal use. China has stopped financing coal projects abroad, but at home last year it approved the building of more coal plants than ever before. And it is already by far the world’s biggest user of coal, a particularly dirty fuel.

Could pumped storage transform hydroelectric projects?

New research released Tuesday by Global Energy Monitor reveals a transformation underway in hydroelectric projects — using the same gravitational qualities of water, but typically without building large, traditional dams like the Hoover in the American West or Three Gorges in China. Instead, a technology called pumped storage is rapidly expanding.

How does pumped storage work?

Instead, a technology called pumped storage is rapidly expanding. These systems involve two reservoirs: one on top of a hill and another at the bottom. When electricity generated from nearby power plants exceeds demand, it’s used to pump water uphill, essentially filling the upper reservoir as a battery.

Will pumped storage grow faster than conventional dams?

“Our data show that pumped storage is set to grow much faster than conventional dams,” said Joe Bernardi, who runs Global Energy Monitor’s hydropower tracker. “This trend is most pronounced in China, which accounts for over 80 percent of planned projects worldwide.”

When did ZESCO complete the Kafue Gorge Lower hydropower plant?

In April 2023, ZESCO commissioned the 750MW Kafue Gorge Lower hydropower plant, a US$2 billion project. Despite initial challenges, ZESCO completed the remaining 600MW, ensuring full utilisation of the plant's capacity.