The International Hydropower Association (IHA) today (Nov 14) brought together an alliance of 14 national government leaders including: Indonesia, the United States, Spain, Romania and Brazil to address the urgent need for energy storage. The Global Alliance for Pumped Storage (GAPS) will advance the deployment of pumped storage hydropower (PSH), the essential element to supporting renewable energy and ensuring energy security in an era of rapid transition to wind and solar power.
With renewable energy sources set to overtake fossil fuels by 2030, the need for integrating reliable storage solutions has never been more urgent.
The group discussed the state of pumped storage globally, the opportunities for development and committed to establish an intergovernmental leadership group to pave the way on enabling policies and practices.
Speaking at the event, Josh Wilson, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Australia emphasised the role of PSH for the future and the need to ensure it fits into existing frameworks:
"What it takes to deliver 'deep' storage is not yet in place, this forum's work is important to highlight these challenges and act as a knowledge and tech sharing opportunity."
Romanian Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja, expressed Romania's support for the alliance where the opportunities offered by hydropower have not yet been maximised:
"A lack of investment means expertise available in Romania and perhaps even Europe is very limited. This work is vital to support a registry of experts and firms that can deliver these sorts of projects."
Representing the Department of Energy for the United States, Sandra Dickison, Deputy Director for Multilateral Climate and Clean Energy Engagement supported the initiative:
"The US has been a leader in PSH with 22 GW in capacity. But some of these facilities have been in place for decades and are aging. Upgrades alone are increasing capacity, but we need to prioritise PSH as part of a clean and dependable energy grid. We stand ready to work with you all."
Others including Prof Dr Eng Eniya Listiani Dewi, Director General of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Indonesia and Cristina Lobillo Borrero Head of the Energy Platform Task Force, European Commission, expressed their commitment to the initiative and the opportunity to partner with governments, IHA, and international agencies on the development of pumped storage.
Malcolm Turnbull, IHA President commented:
"In a clean energy world dominated by solar PV, pumped storage is more important than ever. This group will accelerate pumped storage's adoption and enable governments to collaborate on the best practices to support pumped storage development. [Contd.]
"This global alliance will promote the value of long-term planning and the need for robust, enduring solutions that extend far beyond any four-year political cycle. By establishing a global commitment to PSH and setting bold targets for energy storage, we are laying the foundation for a greener, more resilient energy future one that will serve generations to come."
Today's gathering marks a significant milestone, with governments establishing an intergovernmental leadership group dedicated to promoting and scaling PSH globally. The group will oversee the programme, messages, and actions to emerge from the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower on 9-10 September 2025 in Paris and determine the follow-up work that will be required to super-charge pumped storage development in the next decade.
