Pumped for the future: scaling the world’s water battery

Meeting the world’s growing electricity needs in a low-carbon future depends on storage solutions that are both reliable and flexible. Pumped storage hydropower – the proven “water battery” – is central to this transition, but scaling deployment at the pace and scale required will demand coordinated action across policy, finance, technology and project delivery.

This plenary will bring together senior leaders from governments, industry, finance and multilateral organisations to examine how pumped storage can be accelerated globally. It will highlight progress under the Global Alliance for Pumped Storage (GAPS), with ministers and senior officials reflecting on how clearer policy signals, stronger regulatory frameworks and bankable investment models can unlock new capacity and strengthen long-duration storage supply chains.

Discussions will explore innovative approaches to project development, integration into existing and future power systems, and alignment with international good practice. Together, speakers will consider how pumped storage can underpin energy security, system resilience and renewable integration, positioning long-duration storage as a cornerstone of a reliable, affordable and sustainable clean energy future.

Session objectives

• Showcase the transformative opportunity for pumped storage across diverse energy markets and the strong political backing driving its growth.
• Discuss the key barriers to pumped storage development and spotlight how governments and stakeholders are actively overcoming these challenges.
• Look at the enhanced need for energy storage amidst global energy security crises.  
• Showcase pumped storage as a critical solution for the energy transition.