How pumped hydro storage works

Water is stored

in a high reservoir

Water is released

when electricity

demand is high

Water flows through

a turbine, generating

electricity for the grid

Lake or

loch

Head height

Greater height

improves efficiency

Water pumped

back to reservoir

when electricity

demand is low

Water is stored

in a high reservoir

Water is released

when electricity

demand is high

Water flows through

a turbine, generating

electricity for the grid

Lake or

loch

Head height

Greater height

improves efficiency

Water pumped

back to reservoir

when electricity

demand is low

Water is stored

in a high reservoir

Water is released

when electricity

demand is high

Water flows through

a turbine, generating

electricity for the grid

Lake or

loch

Head height

Greater height

improves efficiency

Water pumped

back to reservoir

when electricity

demand is low

Water is stored

in a high reservoir

Water is released

when electricity

demand is high

Water flows through a turbine,

generating electricity for the grid

Head height

Greater height

improves efficiency

Water pumped back to reservoir

when electricity demand is low

Lake or

loch