UK-based company RheEnergise is set to embark on a groundbreaking endeavor, constructing its inaugural long-duration hydro-energy storage system demonstrator at Sibelco's mining operations near Plymouth, England. With work scheduled to commence imminently, the system is anticipated to be operational by September 2024.
The innovative HD Hydro demonstrator, boasting a peak power production capacity of 500kW, is poised to bolster Sibelco's mining activities during periods of heightened energy demand while advancing the company's sustainability objectives by reducing carbon emissions.
“Sibelco is looking at new ways to manage and secure its future energy needs and at the same time decarbonise its operations, and so we are excited about the potential contribution that RheEnergise's hydro storage project can make to our operations,” stated Ben Uphill, Operations Director at Sibelco.
The project, which has secured support from the UK government's Longer Duration Energy Storage Demonstration Programme and Devon County Council, has received accolades for its commitment to green technology.
“We are keen to adopt green technologies as part of an overall effort to reduce our carbon footprint, so we are delighted to be working with the RheEnergise team on this world-first,” Uphill added.
RheEnergise's High-Density Hydrostorage system, described as low-cost, energy efficient, and environmentally benign, represents a significant departure from conventional hydro-power methods. By utilizing a proprietary fluid denser than water, the system can deliver substantially higher energy yields.
“We are hugely appreciative of the support and assistance given to us by Sibelco, the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, and Devon County Council,” expressed Stephen Crosher, Chief Executive of RheEnergise.
“Our scheme will help Sibelco's energy security at Cornwood and show the long-term contribution it can make to the company's Net Zero ambitions.”
With ambitions extending beyond domestic borders, RheEnergise aims to leverage the success of its demonstrator to spearhead larger-scale ventures globally, with significant interest already emanating from countries such as Australia and Chile.
“The demonstrator is a trailblazing project for the LDES sector and will place us in a strong position to build commercial-scale projects in this country and overseas,” Crosher noted. “We have global interest in our technology, from as far as Australia and Chile. We would like to have our first 10MW grid-scale project in operation within two years.”
