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Energy storage is a key pillar in the energy transition to make use of excess energy from wind and solar power and stabilise the grid when energy production does not meet the current demand. Pumped hydropower storage (PHS) is currently the only proven, large-scale energy storage technology readily available. Suitable PHS locations in the EU are limited due to its specific topographic demands. Decommissioned open-pit lignite mines can help leverage the PHS potential, as they meet the requirements by using the former mining open-pit as lower reservoir, while the existing infrastructure will minimise potential environmental impacts and costs. By integrating renewable energies with this technology, the resulting Hybrid Pumped Hydropower Storage (HPHS) plants become pivotal in securing and stabilising EU energy supply, while offering new prospects for coal regions in transition.
The present report disseminates the key findings of the ATLANTIS project on the feasibility of transforming open-pit lignite mines to HPHS sites to leverage the EU energy storage capacities. The guidelines specifically address the current status of HPHS, site selection criteria, HPHS design, optimal HPHS operation, its integration with the electric grid, as well as environmental and economic considerations relevant to the two study areas of the project: the Bełchatów-Szczerców complex in Poland and Kardia mine in Greece. A geographic analysis was conducted to identify suitable locations for upper reservoirs, and a multi-criteria decision-making approach was used to determine feasible HPHS designs for both study sites. Additional aspects such as HPHS operational management, efficiency optimisation and power grid integration are also discussed. Major concerns associated with the implementation of HPHS projects are related to environmental impacts: these mainly include hydrochemical effects such as water acidification as well as the release and migration of waterborne contaminants into adjacent groundwater aquifers. Additionally, maintaining stability of mine slopes throughout the entire lifecycle of a HPHS project is crucial. Consequently, specific environmental risks were identified and rated in a dedicated risk assessment. Predictive hydrochemical modelling was conducted to identify suitable measures to mitigate hydrochemical impacts on the surrounding local aquifer systems. The stability of mine slopes and waste dumps was addressed in a detailed quantitative investigation of different scenarios during lake filling, fluctuating water tables during HPHS operation, seismic activity, and climate change using geotechnical modelling approaches. Mitigation and monitoring measures were proposed to manage the environmental risks and ensure safe and sustainable HPHS operations. Mathematical techno-economic models were applied to determine the overall economic viability of HPHS deployment projects and to assess potential economic risks. In assessing the socio-economic footprint, the wider context of the changes that may take place in the coal regions in transition was captured, in particular the changes expected as a result of the HPHS technology implementation. Each section of the guidelines concludes with recommendations based on the relevant research findings to support the activities of decision makers, regulatory bodies, mining authorities, stakeholders and HPHS operators.
