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Underground Gravity Energy Storage: A Solution for Long-Term Energy Storage

Author

Listed:
  • Julian David Hunt

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria)

  • Behnam Zakeri

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria)

  • Jakub Jurasz

    (Faculty of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-370 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Wenxuan Tong

    (School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China)

  • Paweł B. Dąbek

    (Institute of Environmental Protection and Development, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Roberto Brandão

    (Electric Sector Study Group, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil)

  • Epari Ritesh Patro

    (Water, Energy, and Environmental Engineering Research Unit, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland)

  • Bojan Đurin

    (Department of Civil Engineering, University North, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia)

  • Walter Leal Filho

    (Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 20999 Hamburg, Germany)

  • Yoshihide Wada

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria
    Center for Desert Agriculture, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, East Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia)

  • Bas van Ruijven

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria)

  • Keywan Riahi

    (International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), A-2361 Laxenburg, Austria)

Abstract

Low-carbon energy transitions taking place worldwide are primarily driven by the integration of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. These variable renewable energy (VRE) sources require energy storage options to match energy demand reliably at different time scales. 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. The proposed technology, called Underground Gravity Energy Storage (UGES), can discharge electricity by lowering large volumes of sand into an underground mine through the mine shaft. When there is excess electrical energy in the grid, UGES can store electricity by elevating sand from the mine and depositing it in upper storage sites on top of the mine. 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 for contaminating underground water resources as opposed to an underground pumped hydro storage alternative. UGES offers weekly to pluriannual energy storage cycles with energy storage investment costs of about 1 to 10 USD/kWh. 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.

Suggested Citation

  • Julian David Hunt & Behnam Zakeri & Jakub Jurasz & Wenxuan Tong & Paweł B. Dąbek & Roberto Brandão & Epari Ritesh Patro & Bojan Đurin & Walter Leal Filho & Yoshihide Wada & Bas van Ruijven & Keywan Ri, 2023. "Underground Gravity Energy Storage: A Solution for Long-Term Energy Storage," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2023:i:2:p:825-:d:1031938
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

    1. Julian David Hunt & Andreas Nascimento & Oldrich Joel Romero & Behnam Zakeri & Jakub Jurasz & Paweł B. Dąbek & Tomasz Strzyżewski & Bojan Đurin & Walter Leal Filho & Marcos Aurélio Vasconcelos Freitas, 2024. "Hydrogen storage with gravel and pipes in lakes and reservoirs," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
    2. Tong, Wenxuan & Lu, Zhengang & Hunt, Julian David & Zhao, Haisen & Zhao, Guoliang & Han, Minxiao, 2024. "Power control strategies for modular-gravity energy storage plant," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 361(C).
    3. Tong, Wenxuan & Lu, Zhengang & Chen, Yanbo & Zhao, Guoliang & Hunt, Julian David & Ren, Dawei & Xu, GuiZhi & Han, Minxiao, 2024. "Typical unit capacity configuration strategies and their control methods of modular gravity energy storage plants," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).

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