The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has announced the launch of the Global Alliance for Pumped Storage (GAPS) at COP29, bringing together representatives from 14 countries, including the United States, Indonesia, Spain, Romania, and Brazil. The alliance aims to accelerate the deployment of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) as a key element for supporting renewable energy sources like wind and solar and strengthening global energy security.
As renewable energy is projected to surpass fossil fuels by 2030, integrating reliable energy storage has become increasingly urgent. The GAPS alliance committed to forming an intergovernmental leadership group to advance policies that enable pumped storage development globally.
Australian Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Josh Wilson, underscored the need for solutions that provide “deep” energy storage, noting that current frameworks are insufficient. He said: “What it takes to deliver ‘deep’ storage is not yet in place; this forum’s work is important to highlight these challenges and act as a knowledge and tech-sharing opportunity.”
Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja pointed out that limited investment has hindered hydropower’s potential in Romania and Europe. “This work is vital to support a registry of experts and firms that can deliver these sorts of projects,” he stated.
Sandra Dickison, Deputy Director for Multilateral Climate and Clean Energy Engagement from the US Department of Energy, supported the initiative, highlighting America’s role in pumped storage with 22GW in capacity. She noted that many existing facilities are aging and called for prioritising PSH to ensure a stable energy grid. “We stand ready to work with you all,” Dickison affirmed.
Leaders from Indonesia and the European Commission also voiced support, emphasizing the need for international cooperation in advancing pumped storage.
IHA President Malcolm Turnbull commented on the alliance’s significance, stating: “In a clean energy world dominated by solar PV, pumped storage is more important than ever. This group will accelerate pumped storage’s adoption and enable governments to collaborate on best practices.”
The alliance plans to guide initiatives from the upcoming International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower in September 2025 in Paris and oversee efforts to scale up PSH development in the coming decade.
