Himalayan Project
This ANU-led project was a stepping stone towards Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim state having sufficient environmentally and socially compatible pumped storage hydropower and other electrical energy storage (EES) to support 100% renewables-based electricity grids.
Investment in EES will be required in South Asia as the proportion of variable renewable generators in the electricity markets, such as wind and solar, grow. The role of EES will be to
(i) stabilize the intermittent nature of wind and solar generated electricity, as well as to
(ii) provide other valuable grid services such as frequency and voltage control as well as black-start capability in the event of a grid-wide blackout.
For this project, the potential for pumped storage hydropower (PSH) to contribute to EES and broader renewable energy objectives and needs in the Himalayas was examined The PSH focus was because very large-scale storage is required for an energy system based upon variable solar and wind, and PSH is the most attractive large-scale electrical energy storage technology, particularly in the steep Himalayan terrain.
The project made recommendations directly aimed at supporting transitions to 100% renewable electricity grids in Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim state.
Communication Outputs
Animated video on PHS for the Himalayan region
Project Reports
- State of Knowledge reports for
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