San Diego solar Power Generation Container

Can San Diego develop a pumped storage energy project?

When energy demand is high, the stored water is released downhill to turn turbines that produce energy. The Water Authority and City of San Diego are evaluating the feasibility of developing a pumped storage energy project at the City of San Diego’s San Vicente Reservoir near Lakeside.

How much energy would a San Diego water reservoir store?

It would store 4,000 megawatt-hours per day of energy (500 megawatts of capacity for eight hours), enough energy for about 135,000 households. The San Diego County Water Authority, which owns approximately two-thirds of the reservoir’s water storage capacity, is partnering with the City on this potential project.

How do pumped energy storage projects work?

Pumped energy storage projects work like giant batteries by storing excess renewable energy during the day, when renewable power production peaks. Energy is released from the “battery” in the evening, when energy usage increases and renewable energy is not available.

What is pumped Energy Storage?

Pumped energy storage is one of the most promising climate solutions in California because it helps maximize the use of environmentally friendly power sources. These facilities store excess renewable energy from solar and wind by pumping water in a closed-loop system to an upper reservoir when energy is abundant.