pumped storage

American  

noun

1. a system for generating hydroelectric power for peak periods by pumping water from a lower to a higher reservoir during low-demand periods and then releasing it during peak periods.

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pumped storage British  

noun

1. (in hydroelectric systems) a method of using power at a period of low demand to pump water back up to a high storage reservoir so that it can be released to generate electricity at a period of peak demand

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Example Sentences

China accounted for roughly 12.2 GW of total capacity additions last year and dominates the sector with more than 300 GW under construction, including a 217.5 GW of pumped storage alone, the IHA adds.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

Without pumped storage, the greener grid will require a lot more battery storage, and that is not proving popular with those who live near planned sites.

From BBC • May 7, 2025

Because even though pumped storage won’t keep us heated and cooled and well-lit every hour of every day, neither will wind, or solar, or batteries, or anything else.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2024

“Developing pumped storage projects is inherently challenging; this additional obstacle threatens to halt our collective efforts,” Payre said.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 22, 2024

As of 2022, the company depended on coal for 41% of its power generation, compared with 23% for hydroelectricity, wind, solar and pumped storage.

From Washington Times • Nov. 29, 2023