Variable speed pumped storage units in China: Current status and development
Lei Guo, Chang Xu, Fei Zhang, Fei Deng, Xin Ai, Feifei Xue
Abstract
Variable-speed pumped storage units (VSPSUs) offer significant advantages over fixed-speed units in hydraulic performance, power regulation characteristics, and system economics, facilitating the integration of renewable energy and enhancing grid stability. As the most advanced pumped storage technology internationally, variable-speed pumped storage (VSPS) technology is the inevitable direction for the development of pumped storage technology in China. By 2030, the total installed capacity of pumped storage power stations (PSPSs) in China is expected to reach 120 GW, a 3.7-fold increase from the current level. Despite its promising market prospects, the development of VSPSUs in China faces challenges in technology, pricing mechanisms, and cost financing. This study evaluates the feasibility of VSPSUs from the perspectives of practical demand, national policies, and development foundations, detailing their technical features and application scenarios. It also proposes specific solutions to address the current major challenges and provides an outlook on the future of VSPSUs. This review provides comprehensive insights for policymakers and researchers in China and other countries to promote the development of VSPSUs.