Repurposing Mines for Underground Energy Storage

What if America's abandoned coal mines could power its clean energy future? Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are exploring how to transform old mine infrastructure into underground pumped storage hydropower systems—a form of long-duration energy storage that complements renewable energy and strengthens the electric grid.

Transcript

00:00:01 The United States has a vast network of unused coal mines … but what if they could be repurposed? ORNL researchers are investigating how to transform existing coal mine infrastructure ... into energy-producing underground pumped storage hydropower facilities. Their research seeks to solve technical challenges like water quality and underground structural integrity that prevent progress. Pumped storage hydropower is a method moving water between two reservoirs at different elevations to generate electricity. Underground pumped storage hydropower facilities use the same concept ... but store water in underground reservoirs to provide reliable energy storage. To unleash the untapped potential of this American energy resource ... scientists are tackling challenges with water chemistry and hydraulics.

00:00:50 As water flows through tunnels, it collects minerals, metals, and chemicals. Scientists are evaluating how interactions with these particles impact equipment, including risks like corrosion and oxidation. Researchers are also studying how rapid water movement impacts the structural integrity of tunnels ... to asses risks like hydraulic stress and potential fractures. Their research will provide the tools needed to design, optimize, and evaluate underground energy storage systems ... helping turn abandoned coal mines into assets that strengthen America’s energy system.