Germany Finds New Partner for Solar

Google+ Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr +

The energy in the Sun is abundant, and is the long-term solution to humankind’s energy requirements. We currently face two challenges to harness it. The first is developing sufficiently dense batteries to smooth supply, and store it until we need it. We are making good progress with this although we are not there yet. However, we have been less successful with the base load to supplement it. To move on from relying on coal we need a new partner for solar.

The Enigma of Hydro Seemingly Beyond our Reach

New Partner for Solar
Water Turbine: Mikhail Ryazano: Public Domain

On paper, hydropower seems the obvious answer. We release stored water to drive huge turbines during peak. Then we reverse the polarity and use base-load surplus during quiet times to put it back in storage.

The catch is, until now we have had to build large storage dams to create a sufficient head of pressure. The capital cost of this has been holding the solution back.

Could a Coal Mine Be a New Partner for Solar?

The idea sounds crazy at first, because coal is already a base load partner for solar. However engineers at the Prosper-Haniel coalmine in North Rhine Westphalia, Germany have been thinking laterally. Their company has been following coal seams since 1863, and has created a vast network of downward-sloping tunnels in the process. But it is facing a fresh challenge.

New Partner for Solar
Prosper-Haniel Shaft: Goseteufel: CC 3.0

The mine is due to close in 2018 as it has become uneconomic. This could destroy the technically savvy community that grew up around it.

However they believe the downward-sloping tunnels could become a new partner for solar. They want to fill them with water and use them to turn turbines in a virtual hydropower dam.

This ‘giant battery station’ as they call it could generate 200 megawatts, sufficient for 400,000 homes.

This is an excellent example of recycling scarce resources and putting them to productive use. A number of German universities are working alongside to ensure the conversion begins promptly in 2018. We expect the project will save many jobs.

Related

Renewable Energy Storage

A Step Closer to Reliable Renewable Solar Energy

Preview Image: Whitelee Wind Farm

Share.

About Author

I tripped over a shrinking bank balance and fell into the writing gig unintentionally. This was after I escaped the corporate world and searched in vain for ways to become rich on the internet by doing nothing. Despite the fact that writing is no recipe for wealth, I rather enjoy it. I will not deny I am obsessed with it when I have the time. I live in Margate on the Kwazulu-Natal south coast of South Africa. I work from home where I ponder on the future of the planet, and what lies beyond in the great hereafter. Sometimes I step out of my computer into the silent riverine forests, and empty golden beaches for which the area is renowned. Richard

Leave A Reply