A prominent player in electrification and automation on a global scale, has initiated a groundbreaking partnership with , a pioneering company based in the UK specializing in gravity energy storage. The collaboration aims to transform energy storage systems by harnessing end-of-life mine shafts and state-of-the-art hoist technology. This strategic alliance focuses on accelerating the development and implementation of Gravitricity’s innovative GraviStore, a cutting-edge gravity energy storage solution tailored to efficiently utilize underground shafts for energy storage and discharge purposes.
Understanding GraviStore
By amalgamating the advantages of lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage, Gravitricity’s revolutionary energy storage system, GraviStore, distinguishes itself with an impressive capacity exceeding 20 MWh. This not only ensures prolonged storage capabilities but also enables swift power delivery, catering to the needs of users with network constraints, distribution networks, and significant power consumers.
Unlike conventional batteries, GraviStore boasts an extended operational lifespan spanning decades while maintaining optimal performance levels, establishing itself as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for energy storage requirements.
This collaboration holds significant promise for ABB’s clientele in the mining sector, extending beyond conventional shaft decommissioning practices. By repurposing abandoned mine shafts for energy storage, mining companies can offset decommissioning expenses while actively contributing to the shift towards eco-friendly energy practices. Furthermore, this innovative approach creates opportunities for job generation and promotes sustainability within the mining industry.
This partnership plays a pivotal role in addressing the escalating demand for energy storage solutions in an era dominated by intermittent renewable energy sources.
As the world generates more electricity from intermittent renewable energy sources, there is a growing need for technologies which can capture and store energy during periods of low demand and release it rapidly when required… Our GraviStore underground gravity energy storage uses the force of gravity to offer some of the best characteristics of lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage – at low cost, and without the need for any rare earth metals.
Martin Wright, Gravitricity’s Co-Founder and Executive Chairman
Transforming Mines into Gravity Energy Storage Systems
Relevant Developments
The versatility of Gravitricity’s technology holds immense potential for diverse commercial applications. Industries reliant on uninterrupted power supply, such as data centers and manufacturing facilities, can benefit from the ability to store surplus energy during off-peak periods and deploy it rapidly during peak demand, leading to substantial cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
Moreover, the adaptability of Gravitricity’s system makes it well-suited for integration with renewable energy sources like wind and solar. By providing a reliable means to store excess renewable energy generated during high availability periods, Gravitricity’s solution addresses the intermittency challenge associated with renewables, facilitating their seamless integration into the grid and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Furthermore, deploying Gravitricity’s technology in remote or off-grid locations presents unparalleled opportunities for decentralization and energy independence. From remote mining sites to isolated communities, the ability to locally store and utilize energy can mitigate logistical challenges linked to long-distance energy transmission and enhance resilience in the face of disruptions or emergencies.
Beyond its immediate commercial applications, Gravitricity’s breakthrough holds promise for advancing the transition towards a more sustainable energy landscape. By enhancing flexibility and reliability in energy storage, this technology can drive the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources, thereby curbing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
A Visionary Partnership: ABB and Gravitricity
This new collaboration leverages ABB’s extensive experience in mine hoists, with a rich legacy spanning over a century, and Gravitricity’s innovative strides in gravity energy storage.
As industries pivot towards sustainable energy practices, the partnership between ABB and Gravitricity represents a paradigm shift in energy storage technology. By repurposing abandoned mine shafts as energy storage facilities, this collaboration not only addresses the critical need for efficient energy storage solutions but also fosters environmental stewardship and economic rejuvenation in mining communities.
In essence, the partnership between ABB and Gravitricity signifies a significant advancement in the realm of energy storage, offering a compelling resolution to the challenges posed by renewable energy intermittency.
Through the fusion of gravity energy storage technology with end-of-life mine shafts and advanced hoist systems, this partnership heralds a new era of sustainable energy storage solutions, poised to reshape the energy industry landscape for generations to come.