And environmentally, that tends to be pretty bad for a long time. Looks more peaceful than a fracking site, but it's still pretty bad.

There is no magic solution. I'm happy to see all those efforts, but am missing a mention of saving energy. In the age of record-setting data centers for AI training, that's not a popular aspect to mention. Though at least we get higher res more realistic artificial cat videos out of it.

It's only bad if it's placed on and disrupts an existing river.

But PHES can be placed far from any river, even in a desert.

https://www.whitepinepumpedstorage.com/

I suspect this project may not happen, what with batteries getting so cheap.

You just need some change in elevation over moderately short distances. You don't even need rivers.