There is a pressing need for a transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy to meet the increasing energy demands and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Himalayas possess substantial renewable energy potential that can be harnessed through hydropower projects due to its peculiar topographic characteristics and abundant water resources. However, the current exploitation rate is low owing to the predominance of run-of-river hydropower systems to support the power system. The utility-scale storage facility is crucial in the load scenario of an integrated power system to manage diurnal variation, peak demand, and penetration of intermittent energy sources. In this study, we first identify the potential of pumped storage hydropower across Nepal (a central Himalayan country) under multiple configurations by pairing lakes, hydropower projects, rivers, and available flat terrains. We then identify technically feasible pairs from those of potential locations. Infrastructural, environmental, operational, and other technical constraints govern the choice of feasible locations. We find the flat land-to-river configuration most promising than other configurations. Our results provide insight into the potential of pumped storage hydropower and are of practical importance in planning sustainable power systems in the Himalayas and beyond.

翻译：当前亟需从化石燃料向可再生能源转型，以满足日益增长的能源需求并减少温室气体排放。喜马拉雅地区因其独特的地形特征和丰富的水资源，具备通过水电项目开发的巨大可再生能源潜力。然而，由于当前以径流式水电系统为主来支撑电力系统，其开发利用率仍然较低。在综合电力系统的负荷场景中，规模化储能设施对于调节日内波动、高峰负荷以及间歇性能源渗透至关重要。本研究首先通过将湖泊、水电项目、河流及可用平坦地形配对，识别了尼泊尔（喜马拉雅中部国家）在多种配置下抽水蓄能水电的潜力；随后从潜在站点中筛选出技术可行的配对方案。基础设施、环境、运行及其他技术约束决定了可行站点的选择。研究发现平坦地形-河流配置较其他配置更具前景。本研究结果揭示了抽水蓄能水电的潜力，对喜马拉雅地区及更广泛区域的可持续电力系统规划具有实际指导意义。