Global hydropower development is increasingly shifting toward pumped storage hydropower (PSH), which now represents 62% of prospective worldwide capacity, totaling 690 gigawatts (GW), according to the Global Energy Monitor (GEM). PSH capacity grew 6.5% over the past year, reflecting rising demand for long-duration energy storage to improve grid reliability and support renewable energy integration.
China, India, and the United States are leading the expansion of pumped storage projects, with China maintaining the largest operating capacity and development pipeline. In the United States, 99% of prospective hydropower capacity consists of pumped storage projects, highlighting the growing emphasis on energy storage infrastructure.
The trend reflects increasing investment in long-duration storage solutions to balance variable renewable generation, strengthen electricity grids, and support future energy demand.
