What Makes the New Pumped Storage Plant in Forbach Unique - EnBW Expands Forbach Pumped-Storage Plant to Boost Renewable Hydropower
EnBW, the energy company, is expanding its pumped-storage power plant in Forbach. The project, set to cost around 280 million euros, will increase renewable hydropower generation by approximately ten percent and is expected to come online in autumn 2027.
The plant generates electricity by releasing water from an upper basin to a lower basin, driving a turbine. The expansion will almost double the storage volume to around 400,000 cubic meters, enabling turbine operation for up to eight hours, equivalent to the storage capacity of around 50,000 household batteries.
The unique underground cavern water storage system will minimise environmental impact and resource usage in the adjacent quarry. When excess energy is available, water can be pumped back into the upper storage basin for later use, helping to balance short-term power system fluctuations and reduce CO2 emissions.
The Forbach power plant's expansion, with its innovative underground design and increased storage capacity, will significantly enhance Germany's renewable energy capabilities. This project is a testament to EnBW's commitment to sustainable and efficient power generation.
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