Mine storage is a specific form of pumped hydro energy storage that is currently being explored in a partnership between Dairyland Power Cooperative, Michigan Technological University, and Sweden-based Mine Storage.
This episode of the Electric Wire podcast includes executives from Dairyland Power Cooperative, with President and CEO Brent Ridge, and VP of Strategic Growth John Carr, both returning to the podcast to discuss this new possibility for energy storage.
Dr. Timothy Scarlett is an Associate Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology at Michigan Technological University, and he joins the conversation to explain some of the specific considerations when using mines for pumped hydro energy storage.
In the introductions alone, you will learn more about Dairyland’s interest in energy storage options and their plans for how it could complement other new technologies, such as small modular nuclear reactors (SMR’s).
Other highlights from the episode include:
19:00–Dr. Scarlett answers how pumped hydro storage using mines works
25:45–Brent Ridge and John Carr discuss how Dairyland will decide whether or not to move forward with a potential project
28:45–Brent Ridge answers which he thinks we will see first: mine storage for pumped hydro projects or new SMR’s
29:45–Each of the guests discuss the challenges with implementing pumped hydro storage
32:00–Dr. Scarlett discusses a case study demonstrating the capacity for mine storage projects
45:30–Each of the guests discuss what they would do if they had “All the Power” in the industry
Learn more about the recent announcement of the partnership between Dairyland Power Cooperative, Michigan Tech University, and Mine Storage at the following links:
Dairyland Power Cooperative Press Release:
https://dairylandpower.com/dairyland-exploring-pumped-hydro-energy-storage
Michigan Technological University web site:
https://www.mtu.edu/
MTU 2023 Research Magazine story about the idea of PUSH/MineStorage:
https://www.mtu.edu/magazine/2023/stories/mines-new-energy/
Mine Storage web site: https://www.minestorage.com/
Mine Storage concept graphic: https://www.minestorage.com/energy-solution/#mine-storage-concept
Wisconsin Public Radio: https://www.wpr.org/wisconsin-dairyland-energy-utility-converting-abandoned-mines-hydroelectric-generators
Note: Dairyland Power Cooperative is a Founding Member of the Customers First Coalition