Energy and Water Storage Harz

Goal of the project:

The project will identify the existing underground cavities in the Harz Mountains that can be used for the transport and storage of water. In the event that new excavation is planned, all construction-related variables are to be defined. In addition, the operation of an underground pumped storage plant is to be simulated and planned. At the same time, water management in the project must take into account the priorities of climate change adaptation, flood control, low water increase and drinking water supply for the region.

Project concept / Approach:

The Energy and Water Storage Harz (EWAZ) project is taking a holistic approach to investigating the possibilities of using disused mines to overcome the challenges of climate change and the energy transition. Different disciplines are involved to cover all aspects to be considered. Current climate change needs to be considered and impacts simulated to design a combination of water storage and connecting tunnels to meet the challenges of water and energy storage as well as flood control and low water elevation. The inclusion of underground cavities in the project and the evaluation of their impact on storage capacity, not only in the case of pumped storage power plants, offers the possibility of sustainable use of water storage, since it is not necessary to use large areas for underground storage facilities.