Methodology for Selecting Locations for the Implementation of Pumped-Storage Hydropower Plants

This R&D project develops a tool to identify locations for pumped-storage hydropower (PSH) projects, considering both closed-loop and open-loop systems (using an existing river or reservoir as an upper or lower reservoir). The system uses a digital terrain model and other information layers, such as the electrical grid, preservation areas, and more. Follwoing that, it focuses on promising areas to optimize the location of the PSH projects and carry out the engineering design (including determining the project budget for civil works and equipment). With this bottom-up approach, it is possible to create interesting projects of various sizes (capacity in MW and storage capacity in MWh). Finally, a top-down approach uses an integrated resource planning to evaluate which of these projects are viable for the electrical system, considering the various services provided by the projects, such as energy, capacity, reserves, and reliability.