GIRA Project

Key characteristics

Power:
1.335 MW (generation mode)

Flow rate:
up to 376 m³/s (90m³/s per turbine)

Upper reservoir:
up to 13 Hm³ (equivalent to 8 + 2,30 hours of storage)

Lower reseroir:
up to13 Hm³

Water conveyance system:
Buried pipelines or a 4,1 km tunnel

Plant:
underground cavern

General data

Parameter Value Units
Number of pump-turbine units 4 u
Total flow rate (generation mode) 376.4 m³/s
Hydraulic head (generation mode) 440 m
Total power (generation mode) 1.335 MW
Toral power (pumping mode) 1.550 MW
Total energy storage capacity 13.000 MWh

Upper reservoir

Parameter Value Units
Normal maximum operating level 552 msnm
Reservoir depth 33 m
Volume 13 Hm³

Lower reservoir

Parameter Value Units
Normal maximum operating level 129 msnm
Reservoir depth 21 m
Volume 13 Hm³

A proven and mature technology

Pumped-storage hydropower is a well-established and proven technology. In recent years, Europe has commissioned a number of pumped-storage facilities, adding around 500 GWh of energy storage capacity between 2011 and 2016. These projects highlighting the technology’s important role in supporting the energy transition by providing large-scale, long-duration energy storage and enhancing grid stability.