Finding the most suitable existing hydropower reservoirs for the development of pumped-storage schemes: An integrated approach

This study aims to evaluate existing hydropower reservoirs for the development of pumped-storage schemes by using multi-criteria scoring technique. This method enables a screening of existing hydropower reservoirs, in order to assess and rank potential sites for pumped-storage development. This analysis is based on the documented evidence, measured data, and site surveys. The site assessments are categorized in 6 criteria namely geometrical conditions (maximum head, head to water way length ratio, distance to grid connection), geological conditions, environmental, and social conditions. In the context of the study, 7 existing hydropower reservoirs in Turkey, each with a catchment area of more than 50 km2, are evaluated in order to be utilized as the lower reservoirs of pumped-storage facilities. The overall score of each candidate site is obtained and, their performance is compared. The results indicate that Turkey have suitable existing hydropower reservoirs for the development of pumped-storage facilities. However, the country lacks from legal and market framework for the establishment of pumped-storage power plants.