Mechanical Systems for Energy Storage – Scale and Environmental Issues. Pumped Hydroelectric and Compressed Air Energy Storage David J. Evans*, British Geological Survey, Keyworth, Nottingham, England, Gideon Carpenter, Evidence, Policy and Permitting Directorate, Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire, Wales, and Gareth Farr, British Geological Survey, Cardiff, Wales. Corresponding contributor. Email:
[email protected] Abstract This chapter introduces large‐scale utility (bulk) energy storage in the form of pumped hydroelectric (PHS) and compressed air energy storage (CAES). Both are mechanical energy storage technologies, converting electrical energy into potential energy and both fall into the category of grid‐scale, energy management. Brief reviews and discussions relating to the general operational aspects, legislative and environmental aspects of the two storage types are provided in the context of UK development. Both storage technologies offer the potential for better integration and penetration of renewable electricity sources and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 1 Introduction International, national and regional energy policies aim to promote the use of renewable‐ based electricity (RES‐E) to reduce carbon emissions and secure local power supplies. The European Union has set ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets of 20% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.1 In addition, the United Nations set a target of doubling the renewables share in the global energy mix by 2030, from the 18% seen in 2010, to 36% in 2030.2 The transition to and increasing the use of renewable energies such as wind and solar, which are by nature intermittent, will therefore introduce increased natural variability into electricity generation and capacity. To meet patterns of demand that do not follow such variations in generation, there will be a need for fast‐ramping, back‐up generation, supported by reliable forecasting and, importantly, increased bulk, grid‐scale storage capacity for electricity generated from renewables.