Europe’s leading hydropower organisations have urged the European Commission to accelerate support for long-duration energy storage, warning that the continent’s clean energy transition is at risk without action.
In a joint statement, the International Hydropower Association (IHA), Eurelectric and major hydropower companies called for policy measures to unlock more than 35GW of pumped storage hydropower projects currently in development across the European Union.
The groups said: “To keep the lights on, ensure affordable prices, and reduce dependency on imported fuels or technologies, Europe urgently needs large-scale infrastructure to store electricity when it is abundant and deliver it when needed.”
Following from the landmark Paris Pledge on Pumped Storage, former Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, who is now IHA President, brought Eurelectric and a group of companies together to write a formal letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The letter states that wind and solar deployment is increasing rapidly, but the lack of long-duration storage is causing curtailment, price instability, and grid challenges. Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) was described as the proven technology capable of addressing these issues, providing more than 90% of the world’s electricity storage.
“Without greater investment in pumped storage, Europe faces wasted renewable generation, volatile prices, and mounting system risks. With it, the continent can deliver secure, affordable and fully decarbonised electricity,” the letter says.
According to industry estimates, the EU will need around 200GW of electricity storage by 2030 and 600GW by 2050. This would require more than doubling current capacity by 2030 and increasing it sevenfold by mid-century.
The letter warns that Europe risks falling behind global competitors. China is currently building more than 90GW of pumped storage, more than the rest of the world combined.
The coalition said European and national policymakers must create clear investment mechanisms, streamline permitting, and introduce financial tools to reduce risk. It also said future legislation should recognise the full system value of long-duration storage.
The statement highlights the importance of designing the European Commission’s proposed Tripartite Contracts to support pumped storage, strengthen European supply chains and ensure energy system resilience.
“Pumped storage supports affordability and reduces Europe’s dependence on imported fuels and critical raw materials. It offers a pathway to energy security, industrial leadership, and economic resilience,” it concludes.
The letter was signed by the International Hydropower Association, Eurelectric, and leaders of the European hydropower sector: Ana Paula Marques (EDP), Bruce Douglas (Global Renewables Alliance), Daniele Bellini (Edison), Emmanuelle Verger (EDF Hydro), Frederic Sauze (ANDRITZ HYDRO), Frederic Ribieras (GE Vernova), Hörður Arnarson (Landsvirkjun), Isidro Pescador Chamorro (ENEL), Jan Lüder (Voith Hydro), Janice Goodenough (HYDROGRID), Julia Souder (Long Duration Energy Council), Julio Castro (Iberdrola Energía Sostenible España), Karl Heinz Gruber (VERBUND Hydropower), Kristian Ruby (Eurelectric), Malcolm Turnbull (IHA), and Pål Eitrheim (Statkraft).
The industry concludes that Europe has led in renewables before and must now lead again, with pumped storage at the core of its energy strategy, stating: “The technology is proven, the pipeline is real, and the moment for action is now.”
