Abstract
Abstract. Underground Pumped Storage Hydropower (UPSH) using abandoned mines has been considered as a potential high capacity Energy Storage Systems. In UPSH plants, the excess of electricity is stored in the form of potential energy by pumping water from an underground reservoir (abandoned mine in this paper) to a surface reservoir, while electricity is produced (when the demand increases) discharging water from the surface into the underground reservoir. The main concerns may arise from the water exchanges occurring between the underground reservoir and the surrounding medium, which are relevant in terms of environmental impact and UPSH efficiency. Although the role of the water exchanges has been previously addressed, most studies are based on synthetic models. This work focuses on a real abandoned slate mine located in Martelange (Belgium). The effects of different rehabilitation works to prepare the mine as an underground reservoir are assessed in terms of groundwater exchanges and their associated consequences.
Highlights
Energy Storage Systems are needed to increase the efficiency of current and future renewable energies, whose production is not always adapted to the demand
The main concerns may arise from the water exchanges occurring between the underground reservoir and the surrounding medium, which are relevant in terms of environmental impact and Underground Pumped Storage Hydropower (UPSH) efficiency
During low demand energy periods, UPSH plants store the excess of electricity under the form of potential energy by pumping water from the mine to the surface reservoir, whilst the electricity is generated during high demand energy periods by discharging water from the surface into the underground reservoir through turbines
Summary
Energy Storage Systems are needed to increase the efficiency of current and future renewable energies, whose production is not always adapted to the demand. In this context, underground pumped storage hydropower (UPSH) using abandoned mines is a potential alternative (Martin and Barnes, 2007; Pickard, 2012; Pummer and Schüttrumpf, 2018), especially in flat regions where conventional pumped storage hydropower plants cannot be constructed because they require steep topography. The underground reservoir can be drilled or excavated, the option considered in this work consists in using existing cavities from abandoned mines. Some critical issues must be addressed and solved before constructing them
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