Wind and Solar Integration with Pumped Hydro Energy Storage: A Tool to Optimize Hybrid Renewable Energy System

The world is beholden to fossil fuels to such an extent that entire governments reach the blink of collapse when energy needs are not met. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly essential to meet the current electricity demand. One of the essential components of such renewable energy systems is energy storage. Conventionally we have been dependent on fossil fuels or batteries for these needs, even if they contribute to a more significant carbon footprint, are not economically practical and are deficient in the long term. Pumped Hydro Energy Storage is a relatively obscure technology and is a promising solution to overcome such problems. This paper aims to analyze the viability of this technology when used together with the dominant renewable implementations in the energy sector, which are solar and wind. It investigates how to effectively meet the challenges of flexible, dependable, and sustainable energy storage through the combined output of pumped hydro, solar, and wind. Mathematical simulations of two scenarios were investigated to determine an optimal hybrid solution for South Australia. The results demonstrate that pumped hydro storage with wind, solar and combined-cycle gas turbine power plants is an ideal solution in South Australia to achieve energy autonomy with increased flexibility and reliability.