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Getting stored energy from old mines

03:50

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Michael BärOctober 24, 2011

Scientists at Clausthal University of Technology are investigating whether it is possible to use inactive mines to store energy. To address the problem of supplying uninterrupted power generated from wind and water, electricity producers need new storage technologies.

The scientists say underground power plants can help. Solar and wind energy can be used to bring large quantities of water into basins above mines. At times when wind and sun is scarce, the water can be released through a shaft to drive a power producing turbine. They say it is a way to preserve the natural landscape and use decommissioned mines as rationally as possible.
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