Low Impact Pumped Storage Hydropower Definition
The final Low Impact Pumped Storage Hydropower Definition is now available.
In collaboration with an external Advisory Group representing a broad cross section of the hydropower community, the Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIHI) has finalized the Low Impact Pumped Storage Hydropower (LI-PSH) Definition after more than two years of effort and two rounds of public comment. The final Definition and the associated Guidelines can be found below. They provide a framework for best practices in developing and operating LI-PSH projects and for participation by interested parties. LIHI will review the Definition and the Guidelines from time to time and may update them as needed to reflect new information. The LIHI Governing Board puede considerar creando un programa de certificación de Bajo Impacto para proyectos LI-PSH.
LIHI staff are available at all stages of PSH development, permitting and licensing. Our staff can provide expertise, information and additional resources, as well as support and guidance for all parties - anyone who may grapple with the complexities of pumped storage, the FERC process, or the LI-PSH Definition.
Development of the LI-PSH Definition
After a year of meetings with the Advisory Group to craft a low impact PSH definition, the initial Draft Definition was published on February 19, 2025 with a public comment period open until May 20, 2025. LIHI staff, the LIHI board's LI-PSH Task Force, and the Advisory Group reviewed the comments which were then incorporated into a second Draft Definition with a public comment period that was open from December 1, 2025 to January 30, 2026. Comments received on the Second Draft were incorporated into the Final Definition.
We are truly grateful for the support, dedication, and valuable input of the Advisory Group in helping LIHI to develop the LI-PSH Definition.
Documents:
- Low Impact Pumped Storage Hydropower Definition
- Guidelines for using the Definition
- 2nd Draft Definition
- 2nd Draft Comment/Response Summary
- 1st Draft Definition
- 1st Draft Comment/Response Summary
Additional background on Defining Low Impact PSH can be found HERE, and information on the approach and collaborative process used to develop the Definition can be found AQUÍ.
The Defining Low Impact Pumped Storage project was made possible by support from the Fundación William y Flora Hewlett.
