UPHS – Large Scale Electrical Energy Storage

According to the Danish Energy Agency’s latest projection, the Danish power grid will reach 100% renewable energy no sooner than 2028. However, we can already now see a demand for a more flexible and secure power distribution due to the fluctuating energy production and consumption. Most experts suggest energy storage systems as the most sustainable, ideally suited and lasting solution.

The aim of this project is to develop and test critical parameters for a technology that enables storing energy in water according to the well-known principle of Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS) – but in an underground geomembrane, i.e. by installing a 10 x10 meter mock-up. The project focuses on geotechnical conditions and membrane design and will include the conduction of a range of examinations including the technological adaptation in the energy market in combination with various renewable energy sources and business cases. This project will raise the TRL level from 4 to 6.

If the mock-up is a success, the project group will build and test a full-scale plant and demonstrate the usability and LCOS for the integration in the electrical grid.  

The objective of this project is to continue the development of a concept for large scale energy storage, suited for renewable energy systems. The technology has previous undergone two stages of development and this project covers the third phase, where the project group examines critical elements concerning geotechnical circumstances, design of the system, the membrane, cost optimization as well as operational analysis and electrical system integration.