The Role of Pumped Storage in Enhancing Renewable Energy Accommodation in Multi-Energy Complementary Clean Energy Bases

Abstract

The integration of renewable energy into multi-energy complementary clean energy bases presents challenges in grid-source coordination, security, and stability. This study explores the role of pumped storage in addressing these challenges by enhancing renewable energy accommodation across five key areas: renewable energy development capacity, grid-integration security, voltage and reactive power enhancement, short-circuit capacity improvement, and energy delivery efficiency. A quantitative research methodology was employed, using data from a year-long (8,760 hours) simulation of renewable energy projects with pumped storage. The study confirms that pumped storage significantly enhances renewable energy development capacity (by more than fivefold of installed wind or photovoltaic energy), improves grid-integration security (accommodation increment exceeding 60%), optimizes voltage and reactive power, increases short-circuit capacity, and boosts energy delivery efficiency. These findings reinforce the role of pumped storage as a critical component in achieving large-scale renewable energy integration and carbon neutrality. Future research should explore additional storage technologies and regulatory frameworks to further refine energy storage strategies.