Researchers say it’s time to write a new chapter in mining history – a story that honors heritage, mitigates hazards and creates stable power grids that benefit host communities.
Pumped hydroelectric storage isn’t new. Putting closed-loop systems in old mines is. A new comprehensive initiative finds the power in heritage, slaying two grand challenges with a single elegant solution.
Researchers in Michigan Technological University’s answer the urgent need for reliable energy grids with PUSH, or pumped underground storage hydro, a global-first closed-loop underground energy storage system that other countries are exploring to help solve the problems of abandoned mines and reliance on fossil energy.
This Q&A features two authors of the recently released technical report, “,” who share the scope and promise of transforming decommissioned metallic mines into reliable power storage and generation centers. Principal investigator , an associate professor of energy policy in and senior fellow for energy justice and transitions at the University of Sussex, and , an associate professor of archaeology and anthropology with expertise in , say the potential is profound, dovetailing with the nation’s increased focus on infrastructure and the world’s urgent quest for reliable and affordable energy.
