Oslo pumped storage policy

How much pump storage does Norway use?

The pump storage consumption in the country was 1,650, 1,031, and 1,262 GWh, respectively, in 2017, 2018, and 2019. The majority of the Norwegian hydropower stations is a reservoir type, with some run-of-river facilities. There are multiyear reservoirs that can store the normal inflow for more than one year.

Is pumped storage hydropower a good idea?

Pumped storage hydropower, using electricity to fill hydro reservoirs, is back in the news because of the high electricity prices. Upgrading hydropower plants to allow for pumped storage requires large investments but can be profitable while contributing to stabilising electricity prices in a 100 percent renewable power system.

How efficient is a pumped storage facility?

Pumped storage facilities based on modern technology can achieve a net efficiency rate of about 85 percent. If the price at the time of pumping is 0.1 EUR/kWh, the price when generating power has to be at least 0.118 EUR/kWh to break even (the price when pumping divided by the efficiency rate).

Why does Norway have a large reservoir capacity?

Norway’s large reservoir capacity enables it to be in a position to provide large-scale, cost-effective, and emission-free indirect storage to balance wind and solar generation in other European countries. The amount of energy that can be provided from hydro-power in the Norwegian system varies depending on the pre-cipitation each year.

What is a pumped storage hydropower plant?

Pumped storage hydropower plants can be built with a high flexibility and provide rapid, zero-emission reserves, also called system services. This means they can get additional income from what we call reserve markets.

How much does pumped storage hydropower cost?

As such, the variable cost of pumped storage hydropower is relative and strongly linked to energy prices on the market. At 0.118 EUR/kWh, variable costs are covered. In addition, we have to consider operating costs like wear and tear of equipment, personnel and other costs. The operating costs are not linked to the price of electricity.