Solar-powered Pumped Storage System for Hydropower Generation

Abstract Submission: With the increase in energy demand and global warming, it becomes necessary to transition from non-renewable to more sustainable and renewable energy sources. India aims to reduce its carbon emissions by 45% by developing renewable energy infrastructure by 2030. Renewable sources like solar, wind, and hydro are highly intermittent and inherently variable, they lack reliability. Integration of various energy sources may increase reliability creating a hybrid energy system. Besides using the Run-of-River hydropower generation, solar powered pumped storage system for hydropower deployment opportunities will also be explored to enhance the hydropower generation.
In most literature-based studies, optimization of an off-grid hybrid energy system was conducted without considering uncertainties associated with a hybrid system. The objective of this study is to conduct a techno-economic analysis for an optimal off-grid hybrid energy system to meet the load demand for satisfying the energy demands for operating the water and wastewater facilities along with other energy demands for the remote and rural hilly region in Uttarakhand, India.

Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) : To understand the complexities of hybrid (hydro+solar) power generation in isolated rural areas of the Indian Himalayan Region.