Pumped Hydro More Compatible with Renewables than Nuclear: Energy Director

Chris Baker said pumped hydro could generate a base load like nuclear, while being cheaper to build and a better complement to renewables.

The reservoir of the Gorona wind-hydro-pumped station in El Hierro, Spain, on March 14, 2016. Desiree Martin/AFP via Getty Images

Pumped hydro is better than nuclear in complementing renewables in Australia’s energy transition, according to the director of a hybrid energy company.

At a recent inquiry hearing on nuclear energy, Chris Baker, the director and Chief Technology Officer of Sunshine Hydro, provided his insight on new energy technologies and the role of nuclear energy in the net zero transition.