Building integrated pumped-storage potential on a city scale: An analysis based on geographic information systems

Energy storage is essential for the successful transformation of the existing power system to one based on variable renewable energy sources. The portfolio of existing possible storage technologies at a given location within the power system is often severely constrained by a multitude of factors. Therefore, there is a need to explore the potential of thus-far neglected and uncharted territories. The prefeasibility study presented in this article addresses the theoretical potential of small-scale pumped-storage stations located in urban areas and utilizing height differences provided by built infrastructure (buildings). Geographic information system tools are applied for a selected case study (Toruń, Poland). The results revealed that a city with a population of 200 000 has a hosting capacity for small-scale pumped storage of slightly over 19 MWh or 11.3 MWh if stricter building selection criteria are considered. The article also provides a preliminary discussion of a concept of several buildings with pumped-storage upper tanks that share the same lower reservoir and estimates the role of such storage in covering city lighting needs. The discussion section is based partially on strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats analysis highlights the concept's main limitations and some future research directions.