We are proud to be among the signatories of the Paris Pledge – demonstrating a united front from the European hydropower sector in scaling up pumped storage hydropower (PSH) capacity.

By 2050, around 86% of generation capacity will come from variable renewable sources such as wind and solar. To integrate this clean power effectively, Europe urgently needs long-duration electricity storage to balance supply and demand, stabilise markets and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Pumped storage hydropower provides a proven, scalable and cost-effective solution. By storing surplus renewable energy and releasing it when demand is high, PSH ensures flexibility, resilience and reliability in Europe’s electricity system.

The Paris Pledge commits the sector to unlocking the potential of pumped storage hydropower and urges EU and national policymakers to create the right conditions for long-duration storage to meet Europe’s clean energy goals.

Expanding Europe’s PSH capacity is described as essential to:

• Enable large-scale integration of wind and solar power, reducing curtailment (over 12 TWh of renewable electricity was curtailed in 2023, costing €4.3 billion)
• Stabilise electricity markets by lowering peak prices and system costs
• Enhance resilience and provide recovery capacity after blackouts
• Strengthen European supply chains and create economic opportunities;
• Contribute to climate adaptation through water management solutions

By supporting the pledge, SuperGrid Institute reinforces its role to accelerate the deployment of pumped storage hydropower in Europe.