The accelerating shift to renewable energy has sparked innovative solutions for repurposing obsolete energy infrastructure. Gravitricity, a UK-based gravity energy storage firm, is leading the charge by transforming abandoned mines into energy production and storage sites. The company’s Gravistore system involves hoisting and lowering heavy loads inside mine shafts to generate electricity, utilizing gravity for energy storage.
In collaboration with ABB Electrification, Gravitricity aims to identify unused mines and shafts suitable for Gravistore installation. ABB will contribute engineering expertise, designing hoists and controls for the mine shafts. The partnership aims to turn decommissioned mines into sustainable assets for electricity generation.
Abandoned mines pose environmental and safety hazards, with millions of people living in close proximity to these sites. Gravitricity’s innovative approach not only addresses the challenges associated with decommissioning but also repurposes these locations for renewable energy production.
The Gravistore system operates similarly to pumped hydro storage, utilizing differences in elevation to generate and store electricity. The inherent infrastructure of abandoned mines significantly reduces initial costs, making the Gravistore system an economical and sustainable solution. Gravitricity asserts that Gravistore can function for decades with minimal maintenance, providing a reliable and long-term energy storage solution.
This pioneering initiative showcases how creative engineering solutions can turn obsolete energy infrastructure into sustainable assets, contributing to the ongoing transition to renewable energy sources.