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Pumped hydropower storage in closed open-pit lignite mines can provide substantial contributions to the European energy

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Listing Description

Overview

Decommissioned EU lignite open‑pit mines can be turned into pumped‑hydro storage (PHS). A study of 164 mines identified 50 technically feasible sites. Two scenarios were modelled: (1) max power for short‑term balancing – 9.6 GW/117 GWh (≈21 % of EU PHS capacity, +45 % storage); (2) max energy for seasonal demand – 5.4 GW/13 TWh (≈12 % of power, +4 860 % storage). This offers a utility‑scale solution to increase renewable use, support the EU’s 55 % GHG reduction by 2030 and climate‑neutrality by 2050, and aligns with the EU Green Deal and energy‑security goals.

Our result

Maximising power capacity for short-term load balancing yielded 9.6 GW power and 117 GWh storage, representing approximately 21% of current EU installed PSH capacity and a 45% storage increase. In contrast, maximising energy storage for seasonal demand resulted in lower power capacity of 5.4 GW (12% of EU total) but significantly higher storage capacity of 13 TWh.

Needs and target audiences

Funding and collaboration for follow-up implementation of HPHS in an open-pit mine at demonstration scale to ensure that HPHS contributes effectively to the EU energy security, grid stability, and the integration of renewable energy sources.

Policy relevance

These findings highlight the substantial potential of utilising closed open-pit lignite mines for PHS to support the EU’s energy transition, directly aligning with the EU Green Deal and energy security objectives by a utility-scale solution that optimises renewable energy capacity utilisation.

Keywords

  • risk assessment
  • economics
  • energy storage
  • hybrid pumped-hydro power storage (hphs)
  • mining landscapes rehabilitation
  • open-pit coal mines
  • renewables
  • coal area in transition
  • mining landscapes reutilisation

Research project acronyms

  • ATLANTIS

Research projects

  • An interdisciplinary feasibility study on hybrid pumped-hydro power storage of excess energy in open-pit coal mines

Project identifiers

  • 101034022

Contributors

  • GFZ HELMHOLTZ-ZENTRUM FUR GEOFORSCHUNG

Source: Horizon Results Platform

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