Q. Recently, the term “pumped-storage hydropower” is actually and appropriately discussed in the context of which one of the following?

Answer: (c) Long-duration energy storage

Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is a method of storing energy by using excess electricity to pump water from a lower reservoir to a higher one. When electricity demand is high, the water is released back down, passing through turbines to generate power.
- It essentially functions as a “battery” for the power grid, storing energy and releasing it as needed.
PSH is a fundamentally simple system that consists of two water reservoirsat different elevations.
Working:
- When there is excess electricity available, such as during off-peak hours or from renewable sources like solar and wind, it is used to pump water from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir.
- When there is a demand for electricity, the water is released from the upper reservoir back down to the lower reservoir, passing through turbines that generate electricity.
- The system also requires power as it pumps water back into the upper reservoir (recharge).
PSH plants operate much like conventional hydropower plants, except PSH has the ability to use the same water over and over again.
The technology absorbs surplus energy at times of low demand and releases it when demand is high.
The energy storage capacity of a PSH depends on the size of its two reservoirs, while the amount of power generated is linked to the size of the turbine.