Pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant
Central hidroeléctrica de bombeo (almacenamiento reversible)
- Date
- 1890s-1907 · confidence medium
- Place
- Schaffhausen, Switzerland
- Credited to
- Swiss and Italian engineers
- Field
- Matter & energy
⚠️ Disputed: the sources disagree.
What it is
A plant that pumps water to an upper reservoir with surplus power and later runs it through turbines to return electricity when needed. It is the most widespread method of storing electricity at grid scale.
The first installations appeared in Italy and Switzerland around 1890-1892; Engeweiher near Schaffhausen is cited as a pioneer around 1907. Sources disagree about which was first.
What it led to
- grid balancing for hydro and nuclear power
- seasonal storage
- support for wind and solar power