Get ready to pump up the jam, people! China is leading the way in pumped storage hydroelectric power, beating Europe and showing them how it’s done. In fact, China is planning to roll out pumped storage all over the country to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and become the alpha dog of renewable energy.

The United States and Australia are also getting in on the pumped storage action, but let’s be real, they’re just following China’s lead. Meanwhile, China is still building conventional dams in the mountains of Sichuan and Yunnan Provinces. Developing countries are all about conventional dams because they’re affordable and produce tons of electricity. It’s like the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, dam it.”

According to Joe Bernardi, the mastermind behind Global Energy Monitor’s hydropower tracking, “pumped storage is set to grow much faster than conventional dams.” Who knew storage could be so exciting? These pumped storage systems produce enough energy to power two million American homes for an hour. That’s a lot of power, y’all.

Let’s break it down for those still trying to wrap their head around pumped storage. When electricity is cheap and nobody wants it, water is pumped to an upper lagoon that basically acts like a battery. When people start demanding electricity like crazy, that water flows downhill and generates power through giant turbines. It’s like magic, but with water.

We all know China is a heavy hitter in renewable energy, accounting for roughly half of the global growth in recent years. However, as China adds more wind and solar capacity to their grid, they need to make sure they have something in place to handle fluctuations in output. That’s where pumped storage comes in clutch, providing a backup for when wind and solar can’t cut the mustard.

While China may not stop using coal anytime soon, they are reducing the overall proportion of power derived from it. They already lead the world in wind, solar, and hydroelectric power capacity, making them the big cheese in the renewable energy world.

Pumped storage has become critical in making the business case for renewable energy, especially in China where the national grid isn’t ready to take on 100 percent of the wind and solar energy in the pipeline. It’s like a safety net, ready to catch any energy before it’s wasted.

But wait, there’s more! Global Energy Monitor has discovered that run-of-river facilities are becoming popular in places like Nepal. These types of hydroelectric facilities are located on rivers and don’t create giant reservoirs. They might produce less power, but they’re kinder to the environment and less prone to catastrophic failures.

Conventional dams are quickly becoming a thing of the past because they’re bad at saving water and can lead to disputes between countries. Plus, hydroelectric reservoirs can release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and nobody wants that kind of pollution. Eventually, conventional dams will be a lesser power source when compared to pumped hydro.

So, keep your eye on China, folks. They’re leading the way in renewable energy and showing everyone else who’s boss.

Serious News: nytimes