Exploring the Future of Hydropower: Integrating Energy Storage

An Unexpected Energy Declaration

On January 20, 2025, former President Donald Trump declared an “energy emergency,” emphasizing the importance of fossil fuels and hydropower in his agenda. This set the stage for a recent report by the U.S. Department of Energy, highlighting the significant economic advantages of integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) into hydropower facilities.

The Current Landscape of Hydropower

Interestingly, the president’s declaration wasn’t solely focused on traditional energy sources; it also mentioned geothermal energy, underlining a broader governmental approach towards various energy alternatives. However, his executive orders seemed inconsistent. While hydropower received preferential treatment, geothermal energy was omitted. This inconsistency raises questions about the commitment to diversifying renewable energy initiatives.

Insights from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

The report from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) dives into the benefits of coupling hydropower with battery technology. Researchers found cost savings and additional revenue streams when surplus hydropower is harnessed for battery storage, particularly focusing on a 60-megawatt lithium-ion BESS operating for two hours.

Short vs. Long-Duration Energy Storage

While there has been a trend toward exploring long-duration energy storage solutions that can operate continuously for days, even weeks, this report underscores that existing short-duration technologies can already deliver meaningful economic impacts. This approach enables hydropower facilities to leverage current technology for immediate benefits.

The Technological Disconnect

Despite its advantages, hydropower faces challenges inherent in its operational framework. Traditional turbines are akin to 20th-century machinery. They struggle to meet the instant demands of modern electricity grids.

Operational Challenges for Hydropower Operators

When electricity demand wanes, operators face a dilemma: they can shut off the turbines, incurring wear and tear, or explore alternative options like injecting compressed air to avoid turbine shutdown. However, this isn’t always feasible; high downstream water levels can create hazardous conditions that prevent such an approach.

Solution: Integrating Energy Storage

This is where BESS comes into play. According to PNNL’s findings, adding a battery storage system means hydropower operators can maintain turbine operations without generating electricity during low-demand periods. Instead, clean energy can be redirected to the battery storage unit, enhancing efficiency.

Significant Cost Savings

The PNNL team modeled their findings based on the 240-megawatt Bagnell Dam in Missouri. They discovered that implementing a two-hour BESS could drastically reduce the number of costly stop-start cycles, leading to savings exceeding $100,000 annually for turbine maintenance. Additionally, integrating a BESS allows for more rapid dispatch of electricity, potentially adding upwards of $6 million in annual revenue.

Environmental Benefits for Aquatic Life

Beyond financial advantages, reducing the number of stop-start cycles significantly benefits aquatic ecosystems as well. With smoother water flow, essential for the natural migration of fish, the integration of energy storage can create a more balanced relationship between hydropower facilities and their surrounding environments.

Looking Ahead: New Developments in Energy Storage

The PNNL team has ambitious plans to further explore this integration through new projects in Washington State, collaborating with local utilities that operate multiple hydropower dams.

A Surge in Energy Storage Manufacturing

On January 14, 2026, the energy storage startup NeoVolta announced an exciting new joint venture to set up a utility-scale battery manufacturing facility in Georgia, aiming for a production capacity of 2 gigawatt-hours initially, with plans to scale up to 8 gigawatt-hours. This initiative pairs NeoVolta’s expertise with advanced manufacturing capabilities, paving the way for a robust domestic energy storage industry.

Addressing Broader Concerns

While the technical advancements are impressive, discussions surrounding the U.S. government and its transparency resurfaced, particularly regarding the so-called Epstein files. This highlights the complex dynamics within political conversations around energy, governance, and societal implications.

These developments paint a transformative picture for hydropower in America, showcasing how modern energy storage solutions can revitalize existing infrastructure and operations while contributing to environmental sustainability.