Overview

Giant “water batteries” are helping the transition to renewable energy

The challenge

Hoping to become the first climate-neutral continent, Europe has big ambitions for renewable energy: in 2020, just over one-fifth came from renewable sources but in May 2023, the European Commission increased its 2030 renewables target from 40% to 45%.

The solution

Pumped storage turbines from GE Vernova will help the Nant de Drance hydropower plant provide the same energy storage capacity as 400,000 electric car batteries at the flick of a switch by storing extra energy to be used when needed.

Outcomes

Saving energy for when it’s needed

renewable energy goal for 2030

6

variable speed pump-turbines

1,970 feet

turbines stored underground

Pumped storage hydropower plants, which have been around for over a century, are particularly important for renewable energy because wind and solar rely heavily on the weather and don’t provide a consistent power supply. With variable speed pump-turbines, plant operators can take energy from the grid when there is too much and generate it again when it’s needed.

The massive project took 14 years to complete. Around 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) of subterranean tunnels were excavated through the Alps while the six turbines are stored 600 meters (1970 feet) below ground, in a giant cavern the length of two football fields.

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