Preliminary feasibility study of abandoned mine energy storage project

Can abandoned mines be used for energy storage?

Closed mines can be used for the implementation of plants of energy generation with low environmental impact. This paper explores the use of abandoned mines for Underground Pumped Hydroelectric Energy Storage (UPHES), Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) plants and geothermal applications.

Can abandoned mines be used for pumped storage power stations?

The unique features of abandoned mines offer considerable potential for the construction of large-scale pumped storage power stations. Several countries have reported the conversion of abandoned mines to pumped storage plants, and a pilot project for the conversion of an underground reservoir group has been formalized in China.

How can abandoned mine facilities be used to generate energy?

Finally, a CAES plant could be established, using the upper mine galleries for underground air storage; the fact that Lieres is a “dry mine” is ideal for this type of system. Thus, the abandoned mine facilities are efficiently used to generate both electrical and thermal renewable energy. Fig. 5.

How was the abandoned mine converted into a pumped storage system?

The surface/underground space of the abandoned mine were converted into an energy storage reservoir, and a water delivery system was put in place to constitute a pumped storage system [ 24, 25 ].

Can abandoned coal mine goafs be used for energy storage?

In this paper, a hybrid pumped-hydro energy storage system using abandoned coal mine goafs, coupled with wind and solar power was proposed. This system regulates the water flow between two reservoirs of different altitude, convert and then store the surplus energy.

Should closed mines be used for energy storage and geothermal energy plants?

The use of closed mines for the implementation of underground energy storage plants and geothermal energy plants has important environment benefits, but usually higher operation and maintenance costs (O&M) compared to conventional systems.