Can a Pyhäjärvi mine be used to build a gravity energy store?

A Scottish company is using the Pyhäjärvi mine to build its first full-scale prototype gravity energy store. One of Europe’s deepest mines is being transformed into an underground energy store. It will use gravity to retain excess power for when it is needed. The remote Finnish community of Pyhäjärvi is 450 kilometres north of Helsinki.

Can a disused mine be turned into a battery using gravity?

This disused mine in Finland is being turned into a battery using gravity. - Copyright A Scottish company is using the Pyhäjärvi mine to build its first full-scale prototype gravity energy store. One of Europe’s deepest mines is being transformed into an underground energy store. It will use gravity to retain excess power for when it is needed.

How much power can abandoned mine shafts store?

Scientists from the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) found that the world’s abandoned mine shafts could store up to 70TWh of power - roughly the equivalent of global daily electricity consumption. The local community in Pyhäjärvi has set up a development company to promote regeneration at the old mine.

What is the maximum power density of a zinc-based battery?

In general, an energy density of 100∼120 Wh kg −1 and a maximum power density of 800 W•kg −1 can be obtained in practical operation. Moreover, safety and environmental friendliness are important features of zinc-based batteries due to the use of aqueous electrolytes.

How much energy does a zinc electrode have?

Zinc electrodes owns a theoretical specific capacity of about 820 mAh g−1 much higher than that of the lead electrode (259 Ah kg −1), and a theoretical energy density of 478 Wh kg −1. In general, an energy density of 100∼120 Wh kg −1 and a maximum power density of 800 W•kg −1 can be obtained in practical operation.

Why are zinc-silver batteries used in medical devices?

Additionally, in the civilian sector, zinc-silver batteries are widely used in medical devices due to their high energy density and stability, as well as flat charge and discharge platform, which avoids malfunction during operation.