The pumped hydroelectric storage system of Pescopagano

The pumped hydroelectric storage system of Pescopagano is developed between Basilicata and Campania, in the territories of the municipalities of Pescopagano, Cairano, Calitri e Bisaccia. The project foresees the construction of a new lower reservoir with a capacity of around 700 thousand m³ and an underground waterway system that connects it to the existing Saetta reservoir. The implementation of the project will allow for the restoration of the functionalities of the lower reservoir through the execution of infrastructure rehabilitation works aimed at restoring its storage capacity. The project also includes the construction of an underground powerhouse, which will host the machines.
 
The Pescopagano plant represents a strategic initiative for the decarbonisation and the strenghtening of the competitiveness of the Italian and European power systems. Thanks to its high flexibility, the plant will allow offering important frequency and voltage regulation services to the grids, guaranteeing a significative contribution ot the adequacy, quality and security of the power system.

The Italian Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan (also called PNIEC) recognizes a fundamental role of pumped hydroelectric storage systems in the achievement of decarbonization goals. In fact, these systems guarantee the flexibility and the security of the power network and play an essential role in the efficient integration of non-programmable renewable energy sources (RES) in the national energy system. In this scenario, Edison has decided to strengthen its commitment to the energy transition, including the development of pumped hydroelectric storage in its strategic Plan towards 2030. In particular, Edison’s development plan foresees the construction of “pumped-storage-only” systems in which water retrieved from the lower reservoir and stored in the upper reservoir is entirely returned to the former, without any net consumption of water.

Last update: 15 January 2026