Better than battery

Battery storage has been a buzzword for the renewable energy push, as natural sources of electricity, such as solar and wind, are intermittent, meaning electricity is produced only when the sun shines or the wind blows.

Thus, storage systems are needed to store energy during periods of peak production and to release it during times of low output, thereby stabilizing the supply.

By storing surplus energy, batteries reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based backup power, increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix.

The technology, particularly the use of lithium-ion, is expensive to manufacture, install and maintain.

Batteries degrade over time, typically lasting between five and 15 years or less. Replacement costs add to long-term expenses.

Mining raw materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel for batteries also potentially causes ecological damage, water depletion and pollution.

Recycling processes are improving but remain limited, with a small amount of lithium-ion batteries recycled globally in 2024.

There is an indigenous and less expensive alternative, using water, which the country has in abundance.

The system is not even new, as pumped storage hydro has been around for 150 years.

The recent privatization of the Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric facility in Laguna marks a significant milestone, highlighting the critical and strategic role of pumped storage hydroelectric technology in ensuring energy security.

The CBK facility is a pumped storage hydroelectric plant that functions like a giant rechargeable battery. It involves two water reservoirs situated at different elevations. When electricity demand is low or renewable energy production, such as solar and wind, is abundant, excess electricity is utilized to pump water from the lower to the upper reservoir.

When electricity demand surges or renewable energy production declines, for example, at night or during cloudy, windless days, stored water is released back downhill, powering turbines that generate electricity.

This process offers a reliable, flexible, and sustainable approach to balancing electricity supply and demand.

The Department of Energy (DoE) has highlighted the potential synergy between pumped storage and nuclear power plants planned for the future.

Nuclear facilities operate optimally at consistent output levels, which pumped storage hydro can augment by smoothing out fluctuations in demand and intermittent RE generation, thereby ensuring grid stability and reliability.

The DoE’s Third Green Energy Auction (GEA-3) primarily involves tapping the hydroelectric power supply to achieve the goal of increasing the RE share to at least 30 percent before the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term in 2028.

The results of GEA-3 signal the current administration’s unwavering commitment to advancing the nation’s green energy agenda.

Among the awarded projects is the Olympia Violago Water and Power Inc., which secured the 600 megawatts (MW) Wawa Pumped-Storage Project in Rizal, and Ahunan Power Inc., which was awarded the 1,400 MW Pakil Pumped-Storage Project in Laguna.

Pan Pacific Renewable Power Philippines Corp. accepted awards for three major hydroelectric projects in Apayao: the 150 MW Gened 1 and 150 MW Gened 2 impounding hydroelectric power plants, and the ambitious 2,000 MW Maton Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project.

A substantial total capacity of approximately 6,677 MW is expected to be delivered to the national grid between 2025 and 2035, representing a paradigm shift in energy security and sustainability.

Pumped storage hydroelectric power plants are a better alternative to battery storage facilities, making them a strong candidate to become a central pillar of the energy landscape.