ABSTRACT
In order to better integrate the level of renewable energy resources forecast to be in operation worldwide in the future into electric utility systems, energy storage mechanisms will be required. Energy storage is needed because renewable energy resources, particularly wind and solar, are variable or intermittent, because they are weather dependent (they only generate electricity when the wind blows or the sun shines) and outside of the control of the electric utility. One energy storage mechanism that has been in use for more than 100 years, pumped storage hydro, has many operational benefits that could assist utilities in integrating the anticipated level of future renewable energy resources into their generation portfolios.
