Optimal Operation of Pumped Storage Hydropower Units and Renewable Energy

Dear Colleagues,

Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) plays a pivotal role in enhancing grid stability and integrating intermittent renewable energy sources. With the rapid expansion of renewable energy usage, the complementary potential of PSH in balancing supply–demand mismatches, reducing curtailment, and improving system flexibility offers significant environmental and economic benefits. However, critical challenges remain, such as optimizing the operational efficiency and dynamic response of PSH units, quantifying their complementary potential in terms of carbon reduction and fossil fuel displacement, integrating high-resolution meteorological and hydrological forecasts into PSH scheduling, and ensuring the reliability and safety of hybrid power systems under a higher renewable energy usage penetration. Addressing these challenges is essential for advancing sustainable energy transitions and maximizing the value of water–energy nexus systems. In this context, we invite scholars to contribute cutting-edge research to this Special Issue, focusing on the modeling, optimization, control strategies, and environmental impacts of the synergy between PSH and renewable energy.

This Special Issue encourages submissions that leverage advanced methodologies such as mathematical modeling, multi-objective optimization, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data-driven forecasting, stability analysis, and real-time control systems. We particularly welcome studies addressing the coordinated operation of PSH with wind, solar, and other renewables by exploring hybrid system dynamics, market participation strategies, frequency regulation, low-carbon dispatch, and economic–environmental trade-offs. Innovative approaches to enhance PSH flexibility—such as variable-speed technology, fast-start capabilities, and hybrid energy storage configurations—are of high interest. Additionally, submissions may investigate unconventional applications of PSH, including its role in hydrogen production, microgrid resilience, and black start services. While fundamental research is a priority of this Special Issue, case studies demonstrating practical implementations or policy implications are also encouraged.

Relevant topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Advanced modeling, stability analysis, and control strategies for PSH–renewable energy systems;
• AI and machine learning techniques for PSH scheduling and renewable energy forecasting;
• Experimental and computational studies on transient processes in PSH systems (e.g., pump-to-turbine transitions);
• Multi-scale optimization frameworks for hybrid energy systems with PSH and renewables;
• Flexibility quantification and complementary potential analysis of PSH in low-carbon grids;
• Risk assessment and lifecycle analysis of PSH components under variable operating conditions;
• Market mechanisms and economic incentives for PSH–renewable energy integration;
• Hydrometeorological forecasting and uncertainty management in PSH operation;
• Synergies between PSH, hydrogen storage, and distributed renewable resources;
• Policy and regulatory frameworks to promote PSH as a grid-scale flexibility enabler.

Dr. Hao Zhang
Dr. Yang Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• pumped storage hydropower units
• renewable energy
• hybrid energy system flexibility
• multi-objective dynamic scheduling
• low-carbon dispatch strategies
• AI-driven hydropower forecasting
• transient process control
• hydro-meteorological uncertainty management
• energy storage synergy