European Commission urged to accelerate pumped storage hydropower deployment as 35 GW+ potential awaits policy support

A joint press release from the International Hydropower Association (IHA), Eurelectric, and Europe’s leading hydropower players

17 November - The International Hydropower Association (IHA), Eurelectric, and Europe’s largest hydropower players have issued a joint call to the European Commission to take decisive action in support of long-duration energy storage.

“To keep the lights on, ensure affordable prices, and reduce dependency on imported fuels or technologies, Europe urgently needs large-scale infrastructure to store electricity when it is abundant and deliver it when needed.”

Following from the landmark Paris Pledge on Pumped Storage, former Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, who is now IHA President, brought Eurelectric and a group of companies together to write a formal letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, to warn that the continent’s clean energy transition is at a critical juncture. While wind and solar power are being deployed at record scale, the lack of long-duration electricity storage threatens to undermine progress, leading to increased curtailment, volatile energy prices, and grid instability.

The signatories emphasise that pumped storage hydropower (PSH) is the proven and scalable solution to this challenge. Providing more than 90% of the world’s electricity storage capacity, pumped storage has been relied upon for decades to stabilise power systems and deliver affordable, reliable electricity.

“Without greater investment in pumped storage, Europe faces wasted renewable generation and mounting system risks. With it, the continent can secure affordable, fully decarbonised electricity,” the letter states.

At the EU level, studies indicate a need for around 200 GW of electricity storage by 2030 and 600 GW by 2050—requiring more than a doubling of current capacity within five years and a sevenfold increase by mid-century. More than 35 GW of new pumped storage projects are already in development across the European Union, ready to be delivered if appropriate policy frameworks are in place.

The letter draws attention to global competition, noting that China currently has more than 90 GW of pumped storage under construction—more than the rest of the world combined—underscoring the urgency for Europe to act to maintain its leadership in hydropower technology and manufacturing.

The industry coalition urges the European Commission and member states to develop clear mechanisms and investment frameworks to accelerate deployment, in line with the Commission’s stated mission to enhance renewable energy and energy storage rollout. Specifically, future European and national legislation should:

• Prioritise long-duration electricity storage and recognise the full range of services it provides to the grid.
• Streamline permitting and regulatory processes.
• Introduce financial instruments to de-risk investment.

The statement also highlights the importance of designing the recently announced Tripartite Contracts to support pumped storage comprehensively, strengthening European supply chains and ensuring long-term system resilience.

“Pumped storage supports affordability and reduces Europe’s dependence on imported fuels and critical raw materials. It offers a pathway to energy security, industrial leadership, and economic resilience,” the letter concludes.

Europe has led the world before in deploying renewable energy. Now, it must lead again by placing pumped storage at the heart of its clean energy strategy. The technology is proven, the pipeline is real, and the moment for action is now.

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Signed by:

The International Hydropower Association (IHA), Eurelectric, and leaders of the European hydropower sector:

Malcolm Turnbull (IHA), Ana Paula Marques (EDP), Bruce Douglas (Global Renewables Alliance), Daniele Bellini (Edison), Emmanuelle Verger (EDF Hydro), Frederic Sauze (ANDRITZ HYDRO), Frederic Ribieras (GE Vernova), Hörður Arnarson (Landsvirkjun), Isidro Pescador Chamorro (ENEL), Jan Lüder (Voith Hydro), Janice Goodenough (HYDROGRID), Julia Souder (Long Duration Energy Council), Julio Castro (Iberdrola Energía Sostenible España), Karl Heinz Gruber (VERBUND Hydropower), Kristian Ruby (Eurelectric), and Pål Eitrheim (Statkraft).

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