<
https://theconversation.com/how-to-ensure-the-worlds-largest-pumped-hydro-dam-isnt-a-disaster-for-queenslands-environment-191758>
"To quit coal and move to renewables, we need large-scale energy storage.
That’s where pumped hydro comes in. Queensland’s ambitious new plan involves
shifting from a coal-dominated electricity grid to 80% renewables within 13
years, using 22 gigawatts of new wind and solar. The plan relies on two massive
new pumped hydro developments to store electricity, including the biggest
proposed in the world.
While it sounds high-tech, it’s very simple: take two dams at different
elevations. Pump water to the top dam when cheap renewables are flooding the
grid. Run the water down the slope and through turbines to make power at night
or when the wind isn’t blowing.
When dams are built badly, however, they can trash the environment. For two
decades, I’ve pointed out the environmental destruction conventional dams can
cause. But now we urgently need more pumped hydro dams to enable Australia’s
transition to fully renewable power."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
