RSE presented the work ‘Ranking and Development Scenarios for Traditional and Seawater Pumped Hydro Storage: A Multi-Criteria Analysis Approach’ at the HYDRO 2024 event, held in Graz, Austria, on 18-20 November 2024. This study, developed by Julio Alterach, Andrea Abbate and Michela Volonterio, Sustainable Development and Energy Sources, within the framework of Ricerca di Sistema, proposes innovative solutions for energy storage through hydroelectric pumped storage plants in Sicily, Sardinia and Calabria.

Using a Multi-Criteria Analysis approach, configurations involving the use of reservoirs exploiting inland as well as marine waters were evaluated to meet the growing need for energy storage.
It was especially rewarding to see that during the session, four out of seven presentations emphasized the benefits and applications of Seawater Pumped Storage. These contributions highlighted not only critical challenges but also promising, actionable solutions for this technology.

In the context of climate change and increasing pressure on existing reservoirs, RSE has been evaluating for years the possibilities of developing marine pumping as a sustainable and resilient alternative.