Environmental impacts and mitigation measures for pumped storage hydropower in Norwegian reservoirs (EnviPump) for Statsforvalteren i Rogaland og Lyse kraft

The main objective of EnviPump is to analyse the effects on physical and biological conditions from developing pumped storage hydropower in existing reservoirs, as well as to find effective mitigation measures. The core hypothesis is that installing pumped hydropower in already regulated reservoirs, can improve their physical conditions and ecological status, while targeted mitigation measures may reduce any negative effects when improvements are not possible. The sub-objectives are: • To investigate how hydro-physical conditions in reservoirs change through the introduction of pumped hydropower and develop methods for impact assessment in planning pumped hydropower systems (SO1) • To develop operational guidelines for avoiding unsafe ice conditions in pumped hydropower reservoirs (SO₂) • To understand and parameterize the key ecological impacts on fish populations of hydro-physical variations in reservoirs and quantify how these effects are expected to change following the introduction of pumped hydropower systems. (SO3) • To investigate and compare regulatory framework and practical implementation of pumped hydropower legislation in Norway to selected countries (SO4) • To identify potential mitigation measures and strategies to improve abiotic and biotic conditions in reservoirs where pumped hydropower is introduced (SO5) EnviPump will address four key research questions. First, the project will assess how pumping regimes alter hydro-physical characteristics and affect ice formation dynamics. An integrated approach using field monitoring, remote sensing, and modelling will explore the relationship between pumping operations and reservoir dynamics (RQ1). Secondly, the project will assess the consequent effects on aquatic life, examining changes in fish habitat use, growth rates, and overall population dynamics through a combination of field studies, remote sensing, and advanced modelling techniques (RQ2). Thirdly, a comparative analysis will be undertaken to understand how different countries manage pumped storage regulations and address environmental impacts, in relation to compliance with regulatory frameworks like the EU Water Framework Directive (RQ3). Fourthly, the research will focus on developing adaptive management strategies and operational guidelines by using an interdisciplinary approach, integrating project results and incorporating stakeholder input (RQ4). EnviPump aims to ensure that the resulting guidelines for sustainable development of pumped storage hydropower effectively bridge scientific insights with practical applications, contributing to the energy transition and meeting environmental standards. EnviPump will engage a broad inter-disciplinary team of scientists, international experts and user partners with practical experience to find sustainable solutions for pumped storage hydropower.