Underground garage energy storage project

What is underground gravity energy storage (Uges)?

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.

How does a Uges energy storage system work?

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.

What is energy storage & how does it work?

If you say energy storage today, most people think you are talking about batteries. The intermittency of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind means sometimes there is more electricity available than is needed. Batteries can take that excess electricity and store it until such time as it can be put to work.

Do you need long duration energy storage?

Julia Souder, executive director of the Long Duration Energy Storage Council added, “If you want clean, renewable energy every hour of every day of every month of every year, you need long duration energy storage.” The project developer is Hydrostor, which is based in Toronto.

How long do energy storage systems last?

Some energy storage systems are long duration and some are not. A train sitting on top of a mountain could store all that potential energy for weeks, months, or even years. A battery often loses some of its charge over time, as anyone who has left a car parked in the garage over the winter understands all too well.