Understanding stakeholder attitudes towards low-head pumped hydro storage technology

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Authors

  • Ruben Ansorena Ruiz
  • David Schürenkamp
  • Jeremy D. Bricker
  • Madita Olvermann
  • Nils Goseberg

Research Organisations

External Research Organisations

  • Technische Universität Braunschweig
  • Delft University of Technology
  • University of Michigan
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Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number31
Number of pages19
JournalEnergy, Sustainability and Society
Volume14
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jun 2024

Abstract

Background: The share of renewable energy feeding the European grid has been growing over the years, even though the intermittency of some renewable energy sources can induce electric grid instability. Energy storage has proven to be an effective way of reducing grid instability. Various solutions for large-scale energy storage are being researched nowadays. This study focusses on the innovative low-head pumped hydro storage (LH PHS) technology, a large-scale energy storage scheme suitable for shallow seas (5 – 30 m depth). Implementation of renewable energy technologies, such as wind farms in Europe, Asia and North America, has faced public opposition which has delayed or even cancelled the implementation of renewable energy projects. Literature about public perception of projects highlights the importance of involving stakeholders from the early stages of project planning. Considering this, the present study aims to collect stakeholder opinions (via an online survey) to determine what is necessary for a smooth implementation of LH PHS in the North Sea, both from technical and policy points of view. Results: Stakeholders from commercial parties, government authorities and local groups recognized the potential of LH PHS as a means to increase the share of renewable energies within the European power grid. Economics, bureaucratic burden, and structural safety have emerged as primary aspects of concern respecting the implementation of LH PHS. The impression of the respondents is that a low-head pumped hydro station would not have negative effects on their organizations. Furthermore, most of the engineering firms participating in the study communicated that their knowledge and resources could be involved in the construction of such an energy storage facility. Conclusion: As identified stakeholder concerns such as economics and structural safety are currently being researched, effective communication of the findings of this research is paramount to keep stakeholders informed of the ongoing progress. Two-way communication between researchers and stakeholders is recommended to enhance public acceptance of future technologies. Furthermore, is it advisable to undertake an examination of the available energy policies relevant to LH PHS.

Keywords

    Energy policy, Energy storage, Pumped hydro storage, Social acceptance, Stakeholder analysis, Stakeholder opinions

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Sustainable Development Goals

Cite this

Understanding stakeholder attitudes towards low-head pumped hydro storage technology. / Ansorena Ruiz, Ruben; Schürenkamp, David; Bricker, Jeremy D. et al.
In: Energy, Sustainability and Society, Vol. 14, 31, 10.06.2024.

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer review

Ansorena Ruiz, R, Schürenkamp, D, Bricker, JD, Olvermann, M & Goseberg, N 2024, 'Understanding stakeholder attitudes towards low-head pumped hydro storage technology', Energy, Sustainability and Society, vol. 14, 31. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-024-00466-z
Ansorena Ruiz, R., Schürenkamp, D., Bricker, J. D., Olvermann, M., & Goseberg, N. (2024). Understanding stakeholder attitudes towards low-head pumped hydro storage technology. Energy, Sustainability and Society, 14, Article 31. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-024-00466-z
Ansorena Ruiz R, Schürenkamp D, Bricker JD, Olvermann M, Goseberg N. Understanding stakeholder attitudes towards low-head pumped hydro storage technology. Energy, Sustainability and Society. 2024 Jun 10;14:31. doi: 10.1186/s13705-024-00466-z
Ansorena Ruiz, Ruben ; Schürenkamp, David ; Bricker, Jeremy D. et al. / Understanding stakeholder attitudes towards low-head pumped hydro storage technology. In: Energy, Sustainability and Society. 2024 ; Vol. 14.
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AU - Schürenkamp, David

AU - Bricker, Jeremy D.

AU - Olvermann, Madita

AU - Goseberg, Nils

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