Europe: “Paris Pledge” Coalition Moves to Unlock 35 GW of Pumped-Hydro Storage

More than 50 utilities, hydropower suppliers, and energy associations have thrown their support behind a new drive to scale long-duration storage across the continent. The International Hydropower Association (IHA) and Eurelectric have launched the Paris Pledge, crafted with 11 senior industry leaders, urging EU and national authorities to treat long-duration energy storage as a system-critical pillar for grid stability and energy security.

The coalition says tapping Europe’s nearly 35 GW pipeline of pumped-hydro projects will require swift regulatory action at both EU and member-state levels.

EU-level asks include: a dedicated EU initiative focused on electricity storage; explicit recognition of long-duration solutions as a distinct priority from short-term storage in all relevant laws; and rapid implementation of RED III and the Electricity Market Design reform.

Member-state measures called for: full and timely transposition of recent energy directives; fair remuneration for system services and security of supply across all time frames (with pumped hydro able to participate in any future revenue-stabilisation schemes); removal of double grid fees on storage; and fast-tracked permitting to accelerate delivery.

“The Paris Pledge unites the sustainable hydropower industry around one clear objective: to provide the storage backbone for a renewable-powered Europe. By scaling up pumped storage, we can accelerate the energy transition, create jobs, and deliver on Europe’s climate and security goals,” said Malcolm Turnbull, President of the IHA.

The pledge’s key commitments will be presented to the European Commission on 11 September, where industry representatives will discuss the regulatory hurdles holding back pumped-storage deployment.