Pumped
Storage.
Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH) accounts for over 99% of the world's operational bulk energy storage capacity. By using reversible pump-turbines to move water between two reservoirs at different elevations, PSH acts as the grid's largest, most reliable battery — storing energy when it's cheap and dispatching it when it's critical.
The Grid's
Memory Machine.
Charge (Pump Mode)
During off-peak hours or periods of surplus renewable generation, reversible pump-turbines lift water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir, storing energy as gravitational potential.
Discharge (Generate Mode)
When demand peaks or grid frequency drops, water is released back through the turbines to generate electricity. The plant can reach full load in under five minutes.
Grid Services
Beyond energy arbitrage, PSH provides frequency response, spinning reserve, voltage support, and black-start capability — making it indispensable to system operators.
Revenue Optimisation
Revenue is earned across four markets simultaneously: wholesale energy, capacity, ancillary services, and balancing mechanism — maximising lifetime asset value.
Four Revenue
Streams. One Asset.
A well-positioned PSH plant earns revenue from multiple concurrent market mechanisms. Helium Power Energy's trading desk optimises dispatch across all four streams to maximise lifetime returns.
Planning a pumped storage project?
Our PSH specialists are ready to assess your site.