100mw High-Density Hydro Energy Storage A Go

Mercia Power Response (Mercia PR), a flexible power response service provider for the UK grid, has entered into a strategic partnership with RheEnergy (RheEnergise) to explore the possibility of deploying its new generation of long-term hydro storage, known as high-density hydro (HD hydro).

Mercia PR and RheEnergy will collaborate to identify appropriate sites for HD hydro storage projects, and will use the pre-existing grid connections of Mercia Power Response.

RheEnergise’s system differs from conventional hydro power in that it utilises a dense liquid rather than water. This fluid is 2.5 times denser than water and could potentially deliver up to 2.5 times more power than equivalent conventional systems. HD Hydro can, as a result, be deployed under the surface of hills rather than on top of mountains, opening up new possibilities in the UK and globally.

Designed to be affordable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, these systems utilize excess energy, especially the one produced by wind turbines on days with low demand, to pump liquid uphill from underground storage tanks.

Subsequently, the liquid is discharged to fuel downhill turbines during periods of increased electricity demand.

Previously, the firm had informed Professional Engineering that it had invented a new high-density fluid, which they referred to as R-19. According to Stephen Crosher, the firm’s Chief Executive, R-19 is a finely-milled suspended solid in water characterized by low viscosity and low abrasion.

Crosher noted that the base material is commonly used in oral medications and is readily available in the United Kingdom. The fluid can be produced on site or in a depot.

Currently, Mercia PR operates 40 energy storage sites with a total capacity of 263MW, and several other sites are planned for development within the next five to ten years.

The companies also announced that industry partners will bring market expertise in energy trading and energy forecasting, aiding RheEnergise in enhancing the efficiency of grid connected energy storage projects.

Crosher stated, “Our HD Hydro technology can provide medium- and long-duration energy storage, which is becoming increasingly important as the UK moves towards net zero and with a UK energy system that is increasingly reliant on intermittent renewables.”

The Director of RheEnergise, Sophie Orme, also had this to say, “Given the growing pressure to speed up the decarbonisation of the UK’s energy system, our HD Hydro system can be consented in months rather than years, so we are able to make a meaningful and positive impact on the energy transition over the next decade. With our partnership with Mercia PR, we will have a better understanding of the feasibility of deploying 100MW of long duration storage capacity by 2030.”

Citation

https://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/mercia-power-response-and-rheenergise-target-100mw-of-high-density-hydro-energy-storage

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