Portion of Czech Hydropower Station to Be Transformed Into 154MW/750MWh Pumped Storage Plant

Why It Matters

The addition of 750 MWh of flexible storage strengthens Czech grid reliability and supports deeper renewable penetration, while reusing existing infrastructure limits land use and environmental impact.

Key Takeaways

• 174 MW pumped‑hydro capacity added to Orlík plant.
• 750 MWh storage enables ~4.3‑hour discharge duration.
• Construction 2027‑2033; two turbines stay online during upgrade.
• Fourth Czech pumped‑storage plant, first since mid‑1990s.
• Project reuses existing site, avoiding new land and ecological disruption.

Pulse Analysis

The transition to a low‑carbon electricity system is driving European utilities to seek large‑scale, long‑duration storage that can balance intermittent wind and solar output. Pumped‑hydro energy storage (PHES) remains the most mature technology for delivering megawatt‑scale power over several hours, thanks to its high round‑trip efficiency and minimal degradation. In Central Europe, where mountainous terrain and existing reservoirs are abundant, countries such as Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic are revisiting dormant hydro assets to create flexible grid resources. These projects also help meet EU climate directives and reduce reliance on fossil‑fuel peaking plants.

ČEZ Group’s plan to retrofit the Orlík dam exemplifies that strategy. By converting two of the plant’s 87 MW Francis turbines into reversible units, the project will add 174 MW of generation that can also operate as a 750 MWh battery, delivering roughly 4.3 hours of discharge at full power. Construction is slated to begin in 2027, with a phased approach that keeps at least two turbines online, ensuring continuous electricity supply throughout the six‑year build‑out. The scheme leverages the 30‑meter head between Orlík Lake and the downstream Kamýčké Lake, eliminating the need for new land acquisition. The reversible turbines will be equipped with modern control systems to optimize efficiency across pumping and generation cycles.

The Orlík upgrade arrives as the Czech Republic expands its storage portfolio beyond hydro. Recent EU‑backed incentives have spurred the deployment of large‑scale battery systems, including a 30 MW gas‑paired unit and a 307 MW battery rollout by Second Foundation. While batteries excel at sub‑hour response, PHES provides the multi‑hour duration required for seasonal balancing and firm capacity. The new plant therefore strengthens grid resilience, supports the country’s renewable targets, and positions ČEZ as a leader in sustainable energy‑storage innovation. Combined with the battery rollouts, the diversified storage mix will enable more aggressive renewable integration by 2030.