When was the abandoned mine gravity energy storage proposed

What is underground gravity energy storage?

A novel technique called Underground Gravity Energy Storage turns decommissioned mines into long-term energy storage solutions, thereby supporting the sustainable energy transition. Renewable energy sources are central to the energy transition toward a more sustainable future.

Can abandoned mines be turned into energy storage?

Turning abandoned mines into energy storage is one example of many solutions that exist around us, and we only need to change the way we deploy them,” concludes Behnam Zakeri, study coauthor and a researcher in the IIASA Energy, Climate, and Environment Program.

How can a gravitational-based energy storage method be used?

This article suggests using a gravitational-based energy storage method by making use of decommissioned underground mines as storage reservoirs, using a vertical shaft and electric motor/generators for lifting and dumping large volumes of sand.

How does a sand mine affect energy storage capacity?

The deeper and broader the mineshaft, the more power can be extracted from the plant, and the larger the mine, the higher the plant's energy storage capacity, as per the release. Since the energy storage medium of UGES is sand, there is zero energy lost to self-discharge, unlike normal batteries.

Can underground mines be used as energy storage?

The technology is estimated to have a global energy storage potential of 7 to 70 TWh and can support sustainable development, mainly by providing seasonal energy storage services. Add Interesting Engineering to your Google News feed. In a new study, scientists propose using the shafts of underground mines as energy-storing batteries.

What is the difference between battery energy storage & sand energy storage?

Unlike battery energy storage, the energy storage medium of UGES is sand, which means the self-discharge rate of the system is zero, enabling ultra-long energy storage times. Furthermore, the use of sand as storage media alleviates any risk of contaminating underground water resources as opposed to an underground pumped hydro storage alternative.