Global Alliance for Pumped Storage launches at COP29

The International Hydropower Association (IHA), with the support of over 30 governments and international agencies, has launched the Global Alliance for Pumped Storage.

The announcement was made at COP29 in an effort to support renewables deployment while boosting energy security through integrating reliable storage solutions.

The alliance, which includes 14 national government leaders, will explore opportunities to establish a leadership group to facilitate enabling policies and practices.

Besides government leaders, others entities have expressed support for the initiative including; Prof Dr Eng Eniya Listiani Dewi, director general of New, Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Indonesia and Cristina Lobillo Borrero, head of the Energy Platform Task Force, European Commission.

Josh Wilson, assistant minister for Climate Change and Energy Australia, emphasised the role of pumped storage hydro for the future energy system: “What it takes to deliver 'deep' storage is not yet in place, this forum’s work is important to highlight these challenges and act as a knowledge and tech sharing opportunity.”

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According to the IHA, the alliance marks a milestone for the sector in establishing an intergovernmental leadership group dedicated to promoting and scaling pumped hydro globally. Specifically, the group will oversee the International Forum on Pumped Storage Hydropower on 9-10 September 2025 in Paris, determining next steps to develop the sector over the next decade.

Malcolm Turnbull, IHA President, commented in a statement on the alliance: “In a clean energy world dominated by solar PV, pumped storage is more important than ever. This group will accelerate pumped storage’s adoption and enable governments to collaborate on the best practices to support pumped storage development.

“This global alliance will promote the value of long-term planning and the need for robust, enduring solutions that extend far beyond any four-year political cycle. By establishing a global commitment to PSH and setting bold targets for energy storage, we are laying the foundation for a greener, more resilient energy future—one that will serve generations to come.”