New alliance aims to unlock 35 GW of pumped hydro storage across Europe

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) and Eurelectric, Europe’s electricity industry trade association, have launched the Paris Pledge – a joint call to unlock the potential of pumped hydro storage across the continent. Developed in collaboration with 11 senior industry leaders, the pledge urges EU and national policymakers to prioritise long-duration energy storage as a critical pilar for grid stability and energy security.

To unlock the full potential of pumped hydro storage and support the almost 35 GW pipeline of projects across Europe, the Paris Pledge calls for urgent regulatory support at both EU and national level to meet the continent’s long-duration energy storage needs.

On the EU level, the pledge calls for a dedicated EU initiative focused on electricity storage. It also states that long-duration storage solutions should be treated as a separate priority from short-term ones in all relevant legislation. Finally, it urges the swift implementation of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and the Electricity Market Design Reform.

On the member-state level, it urges full and timely implementation of the recent energy directives and reforms. It calls for fair remuneration for system services and security of supply across all time frames, ensuring pumped hydro can participate in any future revenue stabilization mechanisms. It also highlights that removing double grid fees on electricity storage is essential to improving economic viability, while fast-tracked permitting processes are needed to accelerate project development.

“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 International Hydropower Association.

The key commitments from the Paris Pledge will be presented to the European Commission on Sept. 11. Representatives of the hydropower sector will have the opportunity to discuss with policymakers the regulatory challenges holding back the uptake of pumped storage projects.