Coal Mine Emptying Energy Storage Solution

What is an underground closed mine?

An underground closed mine can be used to store energy for re-use and also for geothermal energy generation, providing competitive renewable energy with a low CO2 footprint. These initiatives aid to ensure sustainable economic development of communities after mine closure. 1. Introduction

Can abandoned coal mines be used for energy storage?

We present a systematic approach to investigate and assess the feasibility of repurposing abandoned coal mines for energy storage applications, building upon existing geological data and safety protocols established in similar studies and case examples [18, 19] (e.g. Bonte, 2011; Cerfontaine, 2018).

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.

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.

Could underground gravity energy storage repurpose old mines?

An international team of scientists recently proposed another innovative and resourceful solution that involves repurposing old mines: Underground Gravity Energy Storage (UGES). They outlined the idea in the journal Energies. UGES involves lowering large amounts of sand stored in containers attached to a central cable down a deep underground shaft.

Can old coal mines be converted into gravity batteries?

Old coal mines can be converted into "gravity batteries" by retrofitting them with equipment that raises and lowers giant piles of sand. Underground Gravity Energy Storage system: A schematic of different system sections. ( Credit: JD Hunt et al., Energies, 2023)