Mine Energy Storage System

How does a mine storage support the energy system?

A mine storage supports the energy system in several ways, often simultaneously. It can act as energy storage, grid frequency regulator, capacity reserve, transmission support, inertia provider, or as a behind-the-meter solution to support large energy producers or energy-intensive industries.

Why are energy storage systems needed?

Energy storage systems are required to increase the share of renewable energy. Closed mines can be used for underground energy storage and geothermal generation. Underground closed mines can be used as lower water reservoir for UPHES. CAES systems store energy in the form of compressed air in an underground reservoir.

How many households can a mine storage facility support?

An average mine storage can support 250 000 households when it is releasing energy. Read about our Swedish project that we are developing in Skåne. The Vånga mine storage facility will be able to deliver 25-50 GWh per year to the region and will therefore contribute to a more stabile energy situation in southern Sweden.

How big is a mine storage facility?

A mine storage can vary in size from 15 to 200 MW and in discharge time from 2 to 12 hours, depending on the need in the area where it is located. To put this in context, A 100 MW facility can provide a city of 250,000 households with energy for up to 12 hours.

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,” study co-author Behnam Zakeri said. A novel technique called Underground Gravity Energy Storage turns decommissioned mines into long-term energy storage solutions.

What are underground energy storage and geothermal applications?

Underground energy storage and geothermal applications are applicable to closed underground mines. Usually, UPHES and geothermal applications are proposed at closed coal mines, and CAES plants also are analyzed in abandoned salt mines. Geothermal power plants require flooded mines, which generally have closed more than 5 years ago.