Energy Production and Distribution
Design of pumped storage projects
Sustainable, Flexible, and Efficient Energy Storage Solutions
As concerns over climate change intensify and the need for dependable, flexible energy supply grows, advanced energy storage technologies are critical to ensuring stable and efficient power distribution. Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) have emerged as a proven solution, capable of balancing grid loads, integrating variable renewable sources, and providing essential ancillary services. Their ability to store surplus energy and release it during high-demand periods mitigates intermittency, bolsters grid stability, and supports ambitious decarbonization targets. Moreover, the environmental impact of modern pumped storage schemes is often minimized by leveraging existing infrastructure and operating largely in closed-loop configurations, thereby reducing both ecological footprint and social hurdles commonly encountered in new, greenfield developments.
At Gruner, we bring longstanding expertise in the full life cycle of pumped storage projects, including civil, hydraulic, mechanical, and electrical engineering disciplines. Our team is well-versed in pump-turbine technologies—from conventional fixed-speed systems to advanced variable-speed configurations—and adept in optimizing civil and hydraulic design solutions for PSP installations of all scales. We combine this technical proficiency with robust project management methodologies and in-depth regulatory knowledge, ensuring that our clients’ projects align with international standards and withstand evolving market conditions.
Beyond pumped storage, we offer a range of complementary services that support the efficient development, operation, and maintenance of related infrastructure. From dam safety and rehabilitation to sophisticated surveying capabilities and transmission line modernization, our interdisciplinary offerings help ensure long-term reliability, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Hongrin dam
Dam Safety Surveillance and Management Services:
Maintaining dam safety is critical for PSP and other hydropower projects, as any structural or operational shortcoming can have severe consequences for downstream communities and ecosystems. Our dam safety surveillance and management services incorporate continuous monitoring, risk assessment, and early warning mechanisms. We utilize advanced instrumentation—such as automated piezometers, inclinometers, and GNSS sensors—to track dam performance under varying load conditions. Our team conducts periodic inspections, stability analyses, and seepage evaluations to identify any anomalies promptly. In addition, we help develop and implement emergency action plans, ensuring preparedness and compliance with local and international regulations. This comprehensive approach allows operators to maintain the highest safety standards and optimize long-term asset performance.
Dam Heightening and Rehabilitation Services:
Aging infrastructure and the need for greater reservoir capacity often call for dam heightening and rehabilitation projects. These measures can increase energy generation potential in existing installations and enhance grid flexibility. Our engineers conduct detailed structural assessments, seismic evaluations, and hydrological studies to determine the feasibility and optimum approach for dam modifications. Where heightening is required, we employ advanced construction techniques and materials to ensure minimal disruption to ongoing operations, while strictly adhering to safety and environmental guidelines. Rehabilitation efforts may include spillway improvements, joint repairs, and application of modern coatings or liners to extend asset lifespans. Ultimately, our services offer a cost-effective path to improved asset value and resilience in existing hydropower and pumped storage facilities.
Penstocks and Pressure Shaft Engineering:
Penstocks and pressure shafts are key hydraulic components that must withstand substantial internal pressures, rapid load changes, and complex stress distributions. Our team specializes in designing, analyzing, and supervising the construction of these conduits to ensure integrity, efficiency, and long-term durability. We apply state-of-the-art computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) techniques to optimize their geometry, material selection, and support systems. Our services cover the full engineering cycle, from route selection and geotechnical investigations to fatigue analysis and cavitation studies, ensuring that penstocks and pressure shafts perform reliably and efficiently across a wide range of operational conditions.
Scan2BIM, Topographic and Bathymetric Surveying Services:
Accurate and up-to-date geometric data form the backbone of effective project planning, design, and maintenance. We offer comprehensive scanning and surveying services, including high-resolution terrestrial laser scanning, drone-based LiDAR surveys, bathymetric measurements, and 3D modeling. Our Scan2BIM services convert raw survey data into intelligent Building Information Models, enabling accurate visualization, interference checks, and asset management. By integrating robust spatial data into decision-making processes, we help clients reduce design uncertainties, improve construction efficiencies, and enhance maintenance strategies.
Underground and Geotechnical Engineering:
PSP installations often involve complex underground works, including caverns, tunnels, and shafts. Our geotechnical and underground engineering services encompass ground investigations, rock mass characterization, and advanced numerical modeling. We ensure safe, cost-effective excavation strategies and appropriate ground support measures aligned with geological and hydrogeological conditions. These solutions mitigate construction risks, reduce delays, and enhance the long-term stability and integrity of critical underground structures. With extensive experience in complex geological environments, we provide tailored solutions that address the unique challenges encountered in pumped storage and associated infrastructure.
Hydromechanical and Electromechanical Equipment Engineering:
Reliable hydromechanical and electromechanical equipment lies at the heart of efficient PSP operation. Our experts handle the specification, selection, and design of gates, valves, trash racks, as well as turbines, generators, transformers, and switchgear. We ensure that equipment configurations meet performance targets, reduce downtime, and maintain compliance with national and international standards. In addition, we provide guidance on refurbishment programs, retrofits, and reliability-centered maintenance strategies to prolong asset life, enhance performance, and reduce lifecycle costs.
Design, Construction and Modernization of Transmission Lines and Substations:
Energy storage solutions like PSP are only as effective as the networks that deliver their output to consumers. Our transmission and substation engineering services cover the complete lifecycle, from route selection and environmental permitting to detailed design, procurement, and on-site construction management. We employ efficient design principles, modern materials, and emerging technologies to reduce losses, improve system resilience, and maintain cost-effectiveness. Upgrading existing infrastructure or constructing new lines and substations enables operators to integrate PSP output smoothly, enhance grid stability, and ultimately support a more sustainable power mix.
Hydraulic and River Engineering:
Effective water resource management is central to PSP and hydropower projects. Our hydraulic and river engineering services provide comprehensive evaluations of flow dynamics, sediment transport, erosion control, and flood risk management. We apply hydraulic modeling tools, on-site measurements, and engineering judgment to develop sustainable water conveyance systems and optimize intake and outfall structures. By aligning engineering solutions with local hydrological conditions, we help preserve aquatic habitats, maintain navigability, and ensure that projects meet environmental compliance standards.
At the core of our offerings is the expertise in developing, optimizing, and modernizing pumped storage plants. We support clients through all project phases—feasibility, design, procurement, construction supervision, commissioning, and operational optimization. Our engineers excel in civil structures, hydraulic passages, mechanical equipment, and electrical systems.
By offering an integrated suite of engineering and advisory services, spanning dam safety to advanced geotechnical engineering, and from digital surveying to the modernization of transmission infrastructure, we enable clients to realize the full potential of pumped storage technology. With a broad reference portfolio covering units from a few megawatts to large-scale, multi-hundred-megawatt installations, we help clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes, secure investments, and contribute effectively to reliable, low-carbon energy systems.
Our commitment to technical excellence, safety, and environmental stewardship ensures that each project we undertake contributes to a more stable, resilient, and sustainable energy future.