The Norberg mine storage, a groundbreaking energy storage facility in the cradle of Swedish mining
Mine Storage International AB is planning an energy storage facility in Norberg. In a shaft in one of Norberg’s decommissioned mining systems, Gamla Morbergsfältet, the company plans to build a pumped hydro energy storage plant. The plant will use the old mine as a lower water reservoir and part of the Kallmora quarry will be converted into an upper reservoir. Approximately 500,000 m3 of water can be stored here.
With the help of pumps and turbines installed in a machine hall down in the mine, water can be pumped up to the upper reservoir when there is a surplus of energy and electricity prices are low. Eventually, when the demand for energy is higher, the water can be released back into the mine, via turbines, producing electricity. Thanks to the large volume of water, the energy storage can contain about 90 MWh per charging cycle, which is a significant addition to the region.
In addition to contributing to equalization of energy supply, the mine storage can increase the possibility of connecting new electricity producers and electricity consumers to the power grid and support the grid with a variety of support functions both in everyday life and in crisis situations.
In addition to contributing to equalization of energy supply, the mine storage can increase the possibility of connecting new electricity producers and electricity consumers to the power grid and support the grid with a variety of support functions both in everyday life and in crisis situations.
We are using more and more electricity in Sweden and internationally. Electricity must be produced and consumed at the same time so as not to create an imbalance in the power grid. Much of the new electricity production that is being built to meet our increased energy needs is weather-dependent, which means that we have a larger proportion of intermittent electricity production in our production mix today. Because of this, the need to match production patterns with consumption patterns is constantly increasing, and therefore the need for different energy storage options is also increasing. Here, an energy storage of the mine storage model can be of great benefit.
Decommissioned mines are excellent places to build energy storages. A mine storage uses only water and gravity to store energy and simply consists of a machine hall with pumps, motors, turbines and generators, as well as an upper and a lower water reservoir. By reusing already exploited land and existing infrastructure, the environmental impact is reduced, and old mines and quarries deliver new benefits to society.
This project is being implemented with the help of an investment grant from the EU Innovation Fund. The EU Innovation Fund is one of the world’s largest funding programmes for the deployment of innovative net-zero emission technologies. It is a fund focused on energy and industry and aims to bring solutions to the market to decarbonise European industry and support its transition to climate neutrality while promoting competitiveness. (Read more at: https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-funding-climate-action/innovation-fund/what-innovation-fund_en
Mine Storage’s solution is an enabler for a higher utilization rate of locally produced renewable electricity since the storage allows any overproduction during windy and sunny periods to be stored throughout the day. On an annual basis, Mine Storage delivery in Norberg can be up to 35 GWh/year. In addition to this, there is also the benefit that the plant can contribute with ancillary services to the power grid.
The operations of a pumped hydro energy storage plant are defined as operations that by default has an impact on the environment and is therefore subject to a permit under the Swedish Environmental Code. In the document below and the associated drawing and map material, we have compiled the information collected so far to provide all concerned with information and factual basis for a delimitation consultation. The permit process can be described with this simple flowchart:
The impact of the pumped storage power plant on the environment
The company’s initial assessment is that the impact that the pumped storage power plant will have on the surroundings and the environment is limited or can be abated. The groundwater level will be lowered, but not as much as when the mines were in operation. The significant consequences that could arise will be prevented, minimized or compensated.
Once the plant is operational, the ambition is that any disturbances or other negative effects will be small in relation to the benefits of a fossil free energy storage facility that provides positive effects on both access to electricity and stability in the power grid.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
If you have any feedback, questions, or information you think could be useful to us, feel free to get in touch at dialog@minestorage.com
