Gravitricity to study potential for gravity storage at German mine

Gravity energy storage firm Gravitricity said today it has been engaged by Germany’s Geiger Group to explore the potential of storing energy at one of the decommissioned shafts of the Grube Teutschenthal mine near Halle, central Germany.

The 760-metre (2,493 ft) deep mine, once used for potash and rock salt production, now serves as a facility for the disposal of mineral waste.

Geiger Group intends to use green energy to power existing operations at the site and is keen to understand whether gravity energy storage could optimise its electricity supply, the German firm explained.

Edinburgh-based Gravitricity will conduct a technical and commercial feasibility study. Work will start in May and if the results are positive it will provide the mine owner with a concept design and project development plan to consider building a full-scale gravity energy storage plant.

Gravitricity also said that it has so far raised GBP 690,000 (USD 858,000/EUR 778,000) in a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube, which opened earlier this month and initially targeted GBP 550,000.

The German opportunity comes shortly after Gravitricity unveiled plans to pursue US funding for energy projects at former mines.

(GBP 1 = USD 1.243/EUR 1.128)

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