Current framework requirements for the operation of pumped storage hydropower plants in Germany

With progressing development of renewable energies, major discrepancies between supply and demand in the German electricity market arise. Because of the increasing need for efficient and effective technologies capable of temporarily storing electricity, pump storage hydropower plants (PSP) continue to become more and more important. Due to decreasing prices for electrical power and changes in the legal framework, the economic situation has worsened to appoint which ultimately could threaten cost-effective operation of PSP in Germany. There is an urgent need to ensure that PSP operate economically efficient. Therefore, legal restrictions need to be removed to ensure that PSP can continue to play an important role in the German transition to renewable forms of energy production.