Hydrogrid Insight: Preparing for the Next Wave in Pumped Storage

There’s growing momentum around pumped storage — and for good reason. It’s poised to become a cornerstone of energy storage and grid flexibility. That’s why we've been working tirelessly behind the scenes to build dedicated functionality into HYDROGRID Insight to unlock its full potential. While our platform already supports a wide range of hydropower configurations—from run-of-river plants and multi-reservoir cascades to pump-equipped setups—we're now ready to take your operations a significant step further.

Global Developments in Pumped Storage

Across the globe, nations are investing in PSH projects to meet their energy transition goals. At HYDROGRID, we're aligning our innovations to support this momentum.

• Norway: Statkraft has commissioned AFRY to conduct a feasibility study aimed at optimizing operations at the Saurdal pumped storage power plant, the largest of its kind in Norway.
• United Kingdom: SSE Renewables has submitted a planning application to the Scottish Government to convert the iconic Sloy Power Station into a pumped storage hydro scheme, bolstering energy security and providing large-scale renewable energy backup.
• Spain: The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed two green loans with Iberdrola totaling €108 million to fund improvements at the Valdecañas pumped storage hydroelectric complex, enhancing energy storage capacity and supporting renewable integration.
• Australia: Pumped storage hydropower is a major focus in Australia's clean energy conversation, providing reliable electricity without adding to emissions and helping reduce risks associated with natural disasters.
• India: India is rapidly expanding its pumped storage capacity, with plans to develop 51 GW by 2032. Major players like Greenko, Adani Green, and JSW Energy are leading the charge, focusing on states like Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, which together hold about 70 GW of potential. Notably, the Central Electricity Authority has approved significant projects, including the 2 GW Sharavathy in Karnataka and the 600 MW Upper Indravati in Odisha.
• United States: The U.S. currently operates 43 PSH plants, accounting for 96% of its utility-scale energy storage. There's a strong push to more than double this capacity, with projects like the Swan Lake Energy Storage Project in Oregon poised to be among the first new PSH systems in decades.

Coming Soon: Advanced Pumped Storage Optimization

HYDROGRID Insight already supports a wide variety of hydro configurations, from run-of-river and multi-reservoir systems to pumped storage with reversible turbines. And we’re taking it further. In Q3, we're launching a dedicated pumped storage optimization feature that will automate cycle planning to align with market prices and operational constraints—helping operators maximize returns while supporting grid flexibility.

Stay tuned: pumped storage optimization is coming soon to HYDROGRID Insight.

Partnering with IHA to Shape the Global Agenda

HYDROGRID is proud to support the International Hydropower Association (IHA) in its mission to accelerate the global development of pumped storage. In September 2025, we will participate in the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower, a landmark two-day event hosted at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

This Forum will bring together world leaders, policymakers, and energy innovators to drive progress toward the global goal of 1,500 GW of energy storage capacity by 2030. As a digital innovator in hydro operations, HYDROGRID is committed to helping make this ambition actionable—through smarter tools, data-driven control, and operator-first design.

Why HYDROGRID Insight?

Here's what sets our platform apart and why you should choose HYDROGRID Insight:

• Automated Control with Precision: Free up valuable time and significantly reduce operational risk.
• Ready for What's Next: Our platform continuously evolves to meet your changing needs and the dynamic energy market.
• Designed for Ease: Leverage powerful features through intuitive, user-friendly interfaces.

Hydropower is changing—and HYDROGRID Insight is ready to help you not just keep pace, but stay ahead of the curve.