The International Hydropower Association (IHA), in partnership with Eurelectric, has launched the Paris Pledge, a joint initiative shaped in collaboration with 11 senior leaders from the European utilities and hydropower value chain. The pledge is designed to accelerate the growth of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) and calls on policymakers across the EU and its member states to establish the right framework for long-duration storage in support of Europe’s clean energy objectives.
More than 50 utilities, hydropower technology providers, and energy associations have already endorsed the Paris Pledge for PSH, signalling their commitment to its goals and underlying principles.
Europe’s energy network is undergoing a fundamental shift. By 2050, around 86% of generation capacity is expected to come from variable renewable sources such as wind and solar. Integrating this new capacity will require effective long-duration electricity storage to maintain balance between supply and demand, stabilise power markets, and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Pumped storage hydropower provides a demonstrated, scalable, and cost-effective solution. By storing the excess energy generated and feeding it back in times of peak demand, PSH increases the flexibility, resilience, and reliability of the electricity system in Europe.
It is for this reason that IHA and Eurelectric have come together to present the Paris Pledge for PSH, sending a clear signal that the hydropower sector stands united in advancing pumped storage hydropower capacity across Europe.
“The Paris Pledge unites the sustainable hydropower industry around one clear objective: to provide the storage backbone for a renewable-powered Europe. By scaling up pumped storage, we can accelerate the energy transition, create jobs, and deliver on Europe’s climate and security goals.” – Malcolm Turnbull, President, International Hydropower Association.
Backed by signatories representing the entire European hydropower chain, the Paris Pledge identifies the vital measures policymakers and industry must adopt to bridge infrastructure gaps and ensure Europe’s power systems can adapt to the pace of transition.
“As we scale up wind and solar at unprecedented speed, we must invest in long-duration storage solutions that keep the system reliable, affordable, and resilient. Pumped storage hydropower is indispensable here. The Paris Pledge is a timely and necessary call to action – and Eurelectric is proud to support it.” – Kristian Ruby, Secretary General, Eurelectric
The signing of the Paris Pledge at the International Forum on Pumped Storage underlined the need of unlocking nearly 35 GW of PSH projects in the EU pipeline. Achieving this will require decisive regulatory action at both EU and national levels, including:
At the European Union level:
- Introducing a dedicated initiative to accelerate the deployment of electricity storage.
- Ensuring legislation distinguishes long-duration electricity storage from short-term solutions.
- Supporting adoption of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and the Market Design Reform.
At the Member States level:
- Implementing recent EU energy directives and reforms.
- Providing fair remuneration for system services and security of supply across all time frames, while allowing PSH to benefit from revenue stabilisation measures.
- Removing double grid charges on storage technologies to support economic viability.
- Simplifying permitting procedures in order to speed up PSH project delivery.
With bold political determination, Europe can double its hydropower pumped storage capacity over the next 25 years, enhancing the security of its energy supplies and meeting the challenges of the European Green Deal ambitions.
Signatories included EDP, EDF, Iberdrola, Andritz, Enel, Statkraft, Voith, Hydrogrid, Verbund AG, Landsvirkjun, and GE Vernova.