Pumped hydro is a very good supply of power providing your have all that is required, water, and grid support to enable transmission.
Geographically in Australia the ANU's study points to 22,000 potential sites across the country and that is promising.
A question that could be put is as to how much land will have to be claimed to support such developments, and then which groups or local community's could become outspoken in opposition if it is going to flood the only habitat for the red flying bat sh#t lizard, It can slow progress and put to rest for along time many a project.
On a positive note all these dams would play apart in slowing the negative effects of sea level rise, as many are all ready aware of, also the storages through evaporation could also aid in new areas receiving rainfall, which could also be beneficial.
In relation to efficiency's: unless been drawn and used as comparisons as 14d hooked themselves into, efficiency will not take centre stage imo, especially if you have ample free renewables.
Reliable and economically viable supply of base load power will be the key, it will be present in many forms.
Lithium ion batteries are a quick fix but not a viable answer for what will be required for long term duration of base load demand once there are no coal fired generators left in operation come 2050 in Australia.
On another hand, maybe with the tech changes in battery storage or capacitors we will see new cheaper forms, but then again the mining reserves/environmental foot print on a scale to even supply 1/2 the world could test and pressure many resources.
And then of course throw in recycling.
A battery that lasts 50-100 years would be handy.
Power hopefully one day will be cheap enough in this country that the addition of roof top solar will be senseless.
Australia has plenty of land, wind and sun, enough to not only power this country, but parts of Asia as well, as we are seeing with sun cable project to supply 20% of Singapore's power.
Apologies for the rant.
Cheers
14D Price at posting:
13.5¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Not Held
