Abandoned mines as gravity batteries, a sustainable source of energy

Abandoned mines could go from being forgotten spaces to playing a key role in the energy transition. Energy storage experts have identified their potential potential to become gigantic gravitational batteries, taking advantage of its depth to store electricity efficiently.

This concept, called Underground Gravity Energy Storage (UGES), uses excess energy in the grid to lift heavy materials, like sand, through the mine shafts. Then, when electricity is needed, These materials descend and generate energy through motors that act as generators.

How this innovative technology works

The process is relatively simple: in times of low demand, Elevator motors lift large containers filled with sand, storing energy in the form of gravitational potential energy.. When the demand for electricity increases, the sand descends and, through regenerative braking, that stored energy is converted back into electricity.

One of the great advantages of this method is that does not lose efficiency over timeUnlike chemical batteries that degrade with each charge and discharge cycle, this system can operate for decades without significant loss of performance.

Environmental impact and economic benefits

Reusing disused mines brings multiple benefits. Firstly, reducing the need to build new infrastructure, which leads to considerable savings in materials and resources. In addition, this It could represent a new economic opportunity for regions affected by the closure of mining operations., generating employment in the adaptation and subsequent operation of the system.

Another notable aspect is that uses abundant materials such as sand, making it more affordable and less dependent on scarce resources. Furthermore, since the stored energy is not easily dissipated, these battery mines They can preserve electricity for long periods.

Success stories and future potential

In Finland, the Pyhäsalmi mine has been selected as one of the first sites to implement this technology. The company Gravitricity is developing a prototype that seeks to demonstrate the feasibility of storing large amounts of energy in this way., an innovative process that could be compared to the optimization of technological resources.

Studies estimate that The total energy storage capacity using this method could be between 7 and 70 TWh worldwide.This figure would be equivalent to a significant portion of global daily electricity consumption, positioning this solution as a viable alternative to complement renewable energy.

Interest in this technology has grown considerably in recent years. Private companies, investors, and even governments have expressed their willingness to finance pilot projects that allow for their scale and integration into electrical grids.

The challenge of storing energy cleans efficiently It is one of the greatest current challenges. Transforming old mines into gravitational storage systems offers an innovative alternative that not only improves the stability of the electrical grid, but also gives a second chance to disused industrial infrastructuresWith sufficient investment and successful testing, these mines could become fundamental pillars of the energy system of the future.