Selected project examples
Paldiski 500 MW Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Plant, Estonia
An Estonian investor is planning to build an underground pumped storage power plant near the Baltic Sea coast, with the Baltic Sea acting as the upper basin and underground caverns as the lower basin. Particular challenges of this new pumped storage solution are the large rock cavities at depths of up to 750 meters below sea level.
Fichtner initially investigates several design alternatives and conducts preliminary design work. In parallel, our Estonian consortium partner conducts geological and geotechnical investigations at the site of the plant. Based on the results of both investigations, Fichtner then conducts the front-end engineering design required for the building permit application and tendering.
Our services
- Project management and interface coordination
- Layout planning
- Sizing and preliminary design
- Elaboration of design alternatives
- Cost estimates (CAPEX, OPEX)
- Electricity market assessment and economic and financial analysis
- Oversight of geological and geotechnical investigations
- Front-end engineering design (FEED) works for permitting and tendering
- Preparation of technical documentation for permit application
Technical data
- Approx. 500 MW pumped hydro energy storage plant
- Approx. 600 m head