Seawater pumped storage: From theory to practice

The need for decarbonization has created a strong incentive for the development of renewable energies (mainly wind and solar) which are inherently intermittent and non-programmable; consequently, it has become crucial to integrate adequate capacity for regulation services, particularly in regions with intrinsically weak high-voltage grid systems. In this context, Edison began to develop new pumped-storage plants in southern Italy. A preliminary design for several projects has been completed, and the complex authorization process is underway. This paper focuses on the design of the Favazzina seawater pumped-storage scheme, and how some complex problems were overcome.