ABB and Gravitricity, a gravity energy storage company are to collaborate. They want to explore how they can use hoist expertise and technologies to accelerate the development and implementation of gravity energy storage systems in former mines.
Gravitricity, based in the UK, has developed GraviStore. This is an innovative gravity energy storage system. It raises and lowers heavy weights in underground shafts - to provide some of the best features of lithium-ion batteries and pumped storage. Future GraviStores will store more than 20MWh. This will enable long-term storage and rapid power delivery to grid-constrained users and operators, distribution networks and large power users.
Proven demonstration model
Unlike batteries, the Gravitricity system can operate for decades without performance degradation. Gravitricity has already proven the system with a scale demonstration model. It is exploring opportunities to deploy their pioneering technology in decommissioned mines worldwide.
Research and development
As a specialist in mining hoists with a large installed base of more than 1,000 hoist solutions worldwide, ABB will collaborate with Gravitricity. The company does this by providing research and development, product development and engineering teams. They specialise in the design, engineering and operation of mining hoists and mechanical, electrical and control technologies for hoisting.
Storing energy
"As the world generates more electricity from intermittent renewables, there is a growing need for technologies that can capture and store energy during periods of low demand and quickly release it when needed," said Martin Wright, co-founder and executive chairman of Gravitricity. "Our GraviStore underground gravity energy storage uses the power of gravity to provide some of the best features of lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage - at low cost and without the need for rare earths.
Strong interest in GraviStore
"We are already seeing significant interest from mining operators in Europe, India and Australia. This partnership with ABB will help us accelerate our ambitious commercialisation plans. I am delighted that we are working together," Wright said.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is an important step in ABB's ambition to further develop its lifecycle service business by partnering with companies that provide adjacent and value-added technologies.
130 years of mining hoists
"ABB has 130 years of history with mining hoists, since we first drove an electric motor for it in Sweden in the 1890s. But this partnership with Gravitricity shows how we can continue to diversify and adapt our technologies." So says Charles Bennett, Global Service Manager, Business Line Hoisting, ABB Process Industries. "
Netcompliance and control systems
Gravitricity brings specialist expertise in grid compliance and control systems. The teams will collaborate on feasibility studies to understand the application of existing lifting technology in gravity energy storage. ABB will also advise the mining industry and work to identify suitable sites and shafts for GraviStore use.
Dismantling mine shafts
Dismantling mine shafts is a costly and time-consuming process for mining companies. By reusing disused mine shafts for energy storage, mine shafts can fulfil a productive function. Up to 50 years after their original lifetime. They can reduce decommissioning costs while creating new jobs and contributing to the transition to green energy.
Featured image: GraviStore moves heavy weights up and down in underground shafts – to offer some of the best features of lithium-ion batteries and pumped-storage systems. Featured image: Gravitricity
