The global installed capacity of new energy continues to expand, and the long-term energy storage gap is gradually becoming more prominent. The latest report from the International Hydroelectric Association provides an expected growth in pumped storage energy, with major regions accelerating the layout of projects. China continues to lead the market and provide important support for energy transformation.

Under the background of large-scale integration of renewable energy, the power grid regulation capability is becoming increasingly critical. Pumped storage, with its advantages of long-term discharge and full cycle cost, has become the core energy storage method to ensure power stability. The latest industry report has been released, predicting the medium and long-term development of global pumped storage. Each continent is promoting hydropower development according to local conditions, and the market growth space continues to open up.

Clear growth expectations

The International Hydropower Association has released its 2026 World Hydropower Outlook, predicting that global pumped storage capacity will double in the next decade and is expected to triple within 15 years. By the end of 2025, the global installed capacity of pumped storage will reach 201 gigawatts, breaking through the 200 gigawatt mark for the first time. That year, 11.6 gigawatts of pumped storage capacity were added, setting a new historical high. The total global hydropower reserves are 1127 gigawatts, with 621 gigawatts reserved for pumped storage projects and 243 gigawatts under construction.

Regional pattern differentiation

China maintains its position as a global leader in hydropower, with an additional 12.15 gigawatts of hydropower and 7.48 gigawatts of pumped storage capacity added by 2025. The cumulative installed capacity of domestic hydropower is 446 gigawatts. Asia, South Asia, and Central Asia have plans for over 300 gigawatts of hydropower. Conventional hydropower in Africa remains active, while Europe increases energy storage investment to address the challenge of new energy consumption. The demand for retrofitting old units in South America is increasing, and a large number of pumped storage projects in North America are being prepared. Keywords: pumped storage, long-term energy storage

Industry challenges still exist

The value of hydropower as a long-term energy storage infrastructure continues to increase, adapting to the electricity consumption growth brought by data centers and industrial electrification. However, the industry still faces obstacles such as tight financing, long approval cycles, and insufficient transmission support. Institutions propose multi-level growth scenarios, and improving policy support will further unleash the potential for pumped storage development and promote the steady establishment of a clean energy system.Editor/Min Jing