Evaluating pumped hydro storage system impacts through life cycle assessment

Abstract

In recent years, the rapid integration of renewable energies like solar and wind introduces grid stability challenges due to their weather-dependent output, making reliable storage solutions such as Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) systems essential. Consequently, this study aims to evaluate the environmental impacts using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The inventory data stem from simulated energy and water flows through a mathematical-physics model based on Python, referring to an existing European Alpine facility. From an eco-design standpoint, the simulation facilitated preliminary modelling of system flows, enabling a detailed prediction of system behaviour. Three realistic scenarios were analysed, featuring energy mixes from wind, grid, hydroelectric plants (HPP), PHS, and demand loads, differentiated by active system elements. The system boundaries adopted for the LCA study are cradle-to-grave, and the impact assessment methods used are ReCiPe 2016 and EF 3.1. The results reveal that the presence of PHS system significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., −81%) and other environmental impacts compared to the baseline scenario (i.e., without PHS), although it introduces environmental burdens primarily associated with steel and cement production for infrastructure construction. This study emphasizes the necessity of enhancing Life Cycle Inventory data quality through primary industry sources and recommends incorporating photovoltaic systems into future models for a more holistic evaluation.