IHA and Eurelectric launch Paris Pledge to boost pumped storage hydropower

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) and Eurelectric have launched the Paris Pledge, a joint call to accelerate the deployment of pumped storage hydropower (PSH) in Europe. The pledge, developed with 11 senior representatives from utilities and the hydropower value chain, calls on EU and national policymakers to create conditions that support long-duration electricity storage.

More than 50 utilities, hydropower suppliers and energy associations have signed the pledge.

By 2050, around 86% of Europe’s generation capacity is expected to come from variable renewable sources such as wind and solar. To manage this shift, the sector says the continent needs long-duration storage to balance supply and demand, stabilise markets and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Pumped storage hydropower is presented as a key solution, storing surplus renewable power and releasing it when demand rises.

“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 International Hydropower Association.

Kristian Ruby, Secretary General of Eurelectric, added: “As we scale up wind and solar at unprecedented speed, we must invest in long-duration storage solutions that keep the system reliable, affordable, and resilient. Pumped storage hydropower is indispensable here. The Paris Pledge is a timely and necessary call to action – and Eurelectric is proud to support it.”

The pledge highlights almost 35GW of PSH projects currently in the EU pipeline and calls for regulatory measures at both EU and national levels.

At EU level, the pledge calls for:

• A dedicated initiative to expand electricity storage.
• Legislative proposals that distinguish long-duration storage from short-duration solutions.
• Support for the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III) and Market Design Reform.

At national level, the pledge calls for:

• Implementation of recent EU energy directives and reforms.
• Remuneration mechanisms for system services and supply security across all time frames.
• Removal of double grid fees on storage technologies.
• Streamlined permitting processes for new PSH projects.

According to the IHA and Eurelectric, with political support, Europe could double its pumped storage hydropower capacity within 25 years, strengthening energy security and advancing the European Green Deal.

Signatories include EDP, EDF, Iberdrola, Andritz, Enel, Statkraft, Voith, Hydrogrid, Verbund AG, Landsvirkjun, and GE Vernova.