Water storage is a key element in the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus (WEFE Nexus). Water storage systems can be designed in different ways and for serving several purposes. Water storage is also associated to energy storage, when there are turbines that can produce energy (hydropower) from the stored water. More than 95% of the current energy storage in the European Union (EU), and worldwide, is stored in artificial reservoirs behind dams. In the EU there are 4491 large dams according to the ICOLD 2023 register of dams and 40% are for multiple uses. Overall, 48% of EU’s large dams are powered. The theoretical potential of energy storage E_s in hydropower reservoirs (E_s = k·h·V, V=reservoir volume in m³, h=head in m, k=coefficient for the units) is some tens of TWh in the EU. The theoretical potential so calculated is 9 TWh for pumped-hydropower storage (PHS) plants. However, the real technical storage capacity is much less than the theoretical one (1200 GWh in PHSs).

As the impacts of climate change have considerable effects on people and ecosystems, which are exacerbated by a rising demand for water due to population and economic growth, higher temperatures and decrease in precipitation in certain regions, water&energy storage capacity needs to increase in the future, and should consider the interdependence of water, energy and food security and ecosystems – water, soil, and land. In this contribution, the current state-of-the art of PHSs in the EU is discussed and the challenges are presented considering the recent developments at the European Commission and the results of the Clean Energy Technology Observatory. The sustainable development opportunities for PHS are discussed also considering the recent Horizon calls for projects launched by the European Commission and the ongoing discussions on water and energy storage needs, with focus on emerging technologies and strategies, e.g. sustainable refurbishment, digitalization, new electro-mechanical equipment and reservoir interconnection.

How to cite: Quaranta, E. and Pistocchi, A.: Water and energy storage in the European Union: current situation and future challenges, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-4728, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-4728, 2024.

Scheduled decommissioning of lignite mining in Europe requires innovative and economic strategies to support coal regions in transition. The R&D project ATLANTIS is funded by the European Research Fund for Coal and Steel and started in late 2021, aiming at an integrated feasibility assessment on transforming open-pit coal mines into hybrid energy storage projects. Hereby, repurposing of open-pit mines for hybrid pumped hydropower storage (HPHS) of excess energy from the electric grid and renewable sources available in the vicinity of open-pit mines in abandonment will contribute to the EU Green Deal, while increasing the economic value,

stabilising the regional job market and contributing to EU energy supply security. The main objective of ATLANTIS is the elaboration of a technical and economic feasibility study on HPHS in open-pit coal mines. The present contribution will provide insights into the R&D activities within the scope of the project. For that purpose, two target open-pit mines in Greece and Poland were investigated in detail, including analyses supported by geographic information systems (GIS) based on previously defined HPHS design criteria [1] as well as hydro(geo)logical, hydrochemical and geotechnical analyses. At the Polish Szczercow mine located in the Lodz Coal Basin a HPHS capacity of 350 MW can be realised with a hydraulic head difference of approximately 240 m, able to support even more than the currently planned build-out of about 250 MW renewable energy sources made up of wind and photovoltaic parks. A total capacity of 180 MW is feasible at the Kardia mine in the Ptolemais Basin in Greece, whereby the hydraulic head difference amounts to about 100 m. Here, a photovoltaic build-out of 1.2 GW is scheduled. Potential environmental impacts were addressed via an extended risk analysis, consisting of qualitative and quantitative and components integrated by means of feedback loops and supported by the experience of multidisciplinary experts in the fields of hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, geotechnics, mining engineering and socio-economics. Based on the findings of this assessment, mitigation measures for the high-ranked risks were defined and are already considered in the course of the specific mine abandonment processes. Dynamic economic models using day-ahead energy market data were implemented to optimise the HPHS operation and support decision making related to the operational modes. Furthermore, the results of the socio-economic footprint assessment undertaken highlight the regional benefits of the HPHS implementation as alternative to the previously envisaged restoration procedure. The elaborated feasibility study on HPHS in abandoned open-pit mines is a key contribution to the industrial partner’s decision making processes and further demonstrates the potentials for application of the project’s findings at the EU level.

[1] Krassakis, P., Karavias, A., Zygouri, E., Roumpos, C., Louloudis, G., Pyrgaki, K., Koukouzas, N., Kempka, T., Karapanos, D. (2023): GIS-Based Assessment of Hybrid Pumped Hydro Storage as a Potential Solution for the Clean Energy Transition: The Case of the Kardia Lignite Mine, Western Greece. Sensors, 23, 2, 593. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23020593

The present study has received funding from the Research Fund for Coal and Steel—2020, under grant agreement No. 101034022 (ATLANTIS).

How to cite: Kempka, T., Ernst, P., Kapusta, K., Koukouzas, N., Darmosz, J., Roumpos, C., and Fernandez-Steeger, T. and the ATLANTIS project partners: An interdisciplinary feasibility study on hybrid pumped hydropower storage of excess energy in open-pit coal mines, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-14751, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-14751, 2024.

Decommissioning of lignite mines in the course of phasing-out electric power generation from fossil fuels in the European Union (EU) is one of the strategic key pillars to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to the 1990 levels until 2030, and achieving climate-neutrality by 2050. Germany’s emission reduction targets are even more ambitious with 65% and 88% scheduled for 2030 and 2040, respectively.

Repurposing phasing-out open-pit lignite mines into Hybrid Pumped Hydropower Storage (HPHS) installations for excess energy from the electric grid and renewable sources contributes not only to the EU Green Deal and EU energy supply security, but additionally increases the regional economic value and stabilises the job market. Pumped hydropower is well established for storing excess energy from the electric grid and for load balancing with a total installed capacity of 7.89 GW in Germany and a current total share of 78.6% in the energy storage sector. Total round-trip efficiencies of up to 85% and extraordinary high storage capacities compared to battery-based solutions can be realised. Another advantage of implementing the technology in former open-pit mines is that costs of constructing the two required storage reservoirs are significantly reduced due to the presence of the open-pit hole. Multiple open-pit lignite mines were closed in Germany in the past decades, and nine are expected to cease operation by 2038.

Several studies assessing the potentials for PHS based on existing reservoirs have been undertaken, but these do not yet consider the additional potentials of open-pit mines. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential theoretical and technical power production and storage capacities becoming available by repurposing open-pit mines into HPHS installations. For that purpose, a database of German open-pit lignite mines was established. An analytical model was employed to determine the power production and storage capacities of 34 German open-pit lignite mines, of which 13 meet the previously defined site selection criteria. The results of the present study show that the currently installed energy storage potentials in Germany can be extended by additional 1.42 GW (increase by >18%), increasing the installed PHS capacity by 22.9% at the same time. These findings are essential to guide policy and decision makers involved in the German and EU energy transition. The methodology will be extended to member states of the European Union in the next step.

The present study has received funding from the Research Fund for Coal and Steel—2020, under grant agreement No. 101034022 (ATLANTIS).

How to cite: Ernst, P. and Kempka, T.: Pumped hydropower storage in open-pit mines can provide substantial contributions to the EU energy transition – a case study for Germany, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-16405, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-16405, 2024.

A dynamic techno-economic simulation model was developed in the present study to assess the capital and operational expenditures (CAPEX and OPEX) as well as economic benefits of a prospective Hybrid Pumped Hydropower Storage (HPHS) installation to be realised in a Greek open-pit coal mine. HPHS is not only limited to store excess energy produced by local renewable energy sources, i.e. photovoltaic and wind farms, but can also be applied to store of excess energy from the grid. The model accounts for losses incurring while charging the upper reservoir with water when excess energy from renewables and the electric grid is available as well as discharging the upper reservoir for electricity generation when the national electricity demand exceeds the energy provided by the grid. A charging and discharging scheme for the HPHS installation was dynamically calibrated by means of historic energy market data, including time-dependent national energy balances and electric grid costs. Revenues, expenditures and profits of the prospective HPHS implementation were calculated, and the key economic parameters Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Discount Payback Period (DPP) determined to account for the overall system profitability during its’ entire operational time. The model’s technical implementation and applicability for system performance optimisation are discussed in detail, especially in view of a profit-maximising energy storage scheme, which was developed and applied to stochastic grid cost development predictions to account for the HPHS installation’s potential future benefits. The model can be integrated with online real-time data to economically schedule HPHS operation in highly dynamic energy systems.

The present study has received funding from the Research Fund for Coal and Steel—2020, under grant agreement No. 101034022 (ATLANTIS).

How to cite: Otto, C., Ernst, P., Roumpos, C., Louloudis, G., Mertiri, E., and Kempka, T.: Economics of hybrid pumped hydropower storage in open-pit coal mines: a case study for the Greek energy market, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-10643, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-10643, 2024.

The transformation of coal regions into sustainable energy landscapes is a strategic aspect of the European Union's initiatives. This article is dedicated to the socio-economic impact of establishing hybrid pumped hydro storage (HPHS) systems in transitioning open-pit coal mines. The solutions analyzed are part of the ATLANTIS project, which aims to utilize the unique regional benefits these areas offer for HPHS implementation.

These coal regions, currently undergoing transformation, present distinct advantages for HPHS system deployment. Their existing infrastructure, coupled with the potential for integration with renewable energy sources, makes them ideal sites for sustainable energy projects. The ATLANTIS project enables the identification and assessment of these attributes to maximize both economic and socio-economic benefits, enhancing the value of these regions beyond their traditional mining roles.

A crucial element of this research is the quantification of the enhanced socio-economic footprint resulting from the HPHS system implementation. This includes a detailed analysis of how repurposing former coal mines into energy storage facilities can lead to broader economic revitalization and socio-economic development. The study examines the potential for job creation, stimulation of local economies, and overall improvement in community well-being.

By utilizing a comprehensive approach that incorporates regional economic, demographic, and market data, this article offers a holistic view of the socio-economic benefits of HPHS systems. It aims to provide valuable insights to policymakers, energy sector stakeholders, and affected communities, underscoring the potential of repurposed mining landscapes in the transition towards a more sustainable energy future.

The present study has received funding from the Research Fund for Coal and Steel—2020, under grant agreement No. 101034022 (ATLANTIS). 

How to cite: Kruczek, M., Kapusta, K., Kempka, T., Ernst, P., Koukouzas, N., Darmosz, J., Roumpos, C., and Fernandez-Steeger, T. and the and the ATLANTIS project partners: Analysis of socio-economic footprint for hybrid pumped hydropower storage of excess energy in open-pit coal mines, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-18817, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-18817, 2024.

In Europe's move towards decarbonization, renewable energy emerges as a key player, with its swift expansion crucial for cutting carbon emissions. Addressing the modern energy scenario, an innovative energy storage solution: transforming abandoned open-pit mines into large-scale facilities using pumped-hydro power storage (PHS) technology. This system operates by elevating water during periods of low demand and releasing it to produce electricity when demand peaks, mirroring the function of traditional hydropower plants.

A significant hurdle in this transformation is the initial flooding of the mine pit to form the lower reservoir of the PHS system. This phase is marked by complex geotechnical challenges, especially in terms of mine slope stability, influenced by the difference in water head between the groundwater and the reservoir. A key aspect is to ensure an effective hydraulic head, particularly when the upper reservoir is positioned in areas with minimal head difference from the lower reservoir. Our approach revolves around managing the head difference between lake water and groundwater effectively, safeguarding mine slope stability for PHS operations. To achieve this, we compare two different approaches to maintaining the head difference between lake water and groundwater and assess the slope stability for different stages of flooding using the Limit Equilibrium Method (LEM). These approaches are aimed at refining the hydraulic head difference, thereby maximizing the energy generation capacity and promoting efficient, sustainable energy solutions, while ensuring safe operation in terms of slope stability.

How to cite: Pahlowan, E. U. D., Braun, A., and Fernandez-Steeger, T. M.: Stability of abandoned pit slopes - how groundwater and lake water control may support safety while flooding, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-17781, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-17781, 2024.

Energy harvesters (EH) are devices designed to capture and convert mechanical energy from ambient sources, which can be converted into electrical energy employing piezoelectric materials. Energy harvesters can capture and convert energy from vortex-induced vibrations in water flows such as water piping, open channels, and natural streams. Harvested energy can be used or stored to power small electronic components such as wireless sensors. These renewable and environmentally friendly energy sources present a tremendous opportunity for clean, reliable off-grid energy production. In the EU–funded project H-HOPE (https://h-hope.eu/), energy harvesters are being designed and deployed for various environments to improve and enhance water and energy resilience. In Reykjavik, Iceland, EH can be implemented in geothermal pipes, providing energy for a sensor network in volcanically active areas where traditional powered sources may be unavailable. In Izmir, Turkey, EH can be implemented in the water supply systems, offering reliable electricity for monitoring drinking water quality. In Padova, Italy, EH can be installed in sewage systems, providing electricity for continuous water quality monitoring. In natural streams like fjords (West Fjords, Iceland) and lagoons (Venice, Italy), EH might be upscaled to power remote communities. However, the perceived potential for EH by local energy stakeholders is unknown. To address this, we conducted semi-structured interviews and expert surveys with relevant stakeholder groups to assess the perceived opportunities and challenges of implementing EH in the mentioned case studies. Preliminary results are visualized in causal diagrams, identifying positive and negative feedback loops of stakeholder perceptions. This analysis identifies both enablers and barriers to EH implementation. These findings will be used to develop a strategy for energy and water service providers to enhance the resilience of existing water and energy infrastructure across Europe and assess the potential uptake and validation of such technology by stakeholders.

How to cite: Stepanovic, I., Frigerio, S., Guðlaugsson, B., and Finger, D.: Mapping the perceived potential of energy harvesters to increase the resilience of European water and energy infrastructure , EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-8940, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-8940, 2024.

This contribution investigates the untapped solar power potential across the lakes within the hydropower reservoirs nestled in the Alto Adige region of Italy. With the region housing more than 500 hydropower plants, amounting to approximately 90% of the regions electricity generation, these hydropower plants bear the burden of electricity generation within the region. Moreover, only 3.6% of the total energy is generated by solar energy. However, these plants boast large surface areas on the reservoirs which remains untapped. As the global energy demand surges and sustainable power sources become imperative, leveraging solar energy atop water reservoirs presents a promising opportunity. The study employs Geographic Information Systems coupled with solar radiation modelling to assess and quantify the solar energy capacity of these reservoirs. The region is characterized by a typical Alpine climatology with warm summers and cold and dry winters, and a complex topography of valleys and peaks. Considering the unique topographical characteristics and climatic conditions of the region, the research evaluates the feasibility and viability of harnessing solar energy over these reservoirs. Preliminary findings underscore the substantial yet underutilized solar power potential in this hydro-rich landscape, opening avenues for further renewable energy generation strategies. The outcome of this study is not only to contribute to enhancing the renewable energy portfolio of the region but also to advocate for innovative and sustainable approaches. This added power potential will be further utilized for reducing the load on hydropower plants during peak load times. Moreover, this can be integrated with pumped hydro storage systems for optimum electricity generation and flexibility of the energy systems.

How to cite: Dhawan, P., Dalla Torre, D., Menapace, A., and Righetti, M.: Floating solar power potential for the Alto Adige region of Italy, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-6199, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6199, 2024.

The evaluation of renewable energy potentials is growing in importance across multiple sectors, including in energy planning, industry, research, and policymaking. Despite the abundance of research into regional-scale wind and solar potentials, the lack of reproducibility and transparent workflows consistently challenges validity. Typically, various steps in renewable energy potential assessments are conducted separately, often employing various software tools. For example, data processing may be conducted in a python environment, whereas land eligibility analysis utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) software, and wind or solar simulations rely on specialized power simulation software. This fragmentation, as well as a general trend of not making data and code openly available, impedes efficiency, and hampers scientific reproducibility and transparency. Our research introduces a novel, Python-based open-source workflow to address this issue, which employs a pipeline management module (Luigi) for handling tasks and dependencies, and Docker to facilitate deployment. The Renewable Energy workFLOW (REFLOW) encompasses the entire process of potential assessments, from data acquisition to result validation, including critical steps like land eligibility assessment, explicit turbine placement, and wind or solar simulation. The workflow’s modular nature allows for integration of various software modules and methodologies, enhancing its adaptability to various scenarios. REFLOW can be executed in multiple operating systems and requires no significant programming knowledge. We demonstrate REFLOW’s capabilities for a wind power potential assessment of the North Sea region, conducting ocean eligibility exclusions, explicit turbine placings, and a simulation of wind power generation for a period of ten years, using data from the ERA-5 reanalysis and Global Wind Atlas. The entire workflow is fully reproducible, including all data acquisition and processing steps. Thus, REFLOW constitutes a significant step towards versatile yet reproducible renewable potential analyses.

How to cite: Pelser, T., Hoffmann, M., Weinand, J. M., Kuckertz, P., and Stolten, D.: REFLOW: An Open-Source Workflow for Renewable Energy Potentials, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-15490, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-15490, 2024.

The residential buildings are responsible for approximately one-quarter of the world’s energy consumption and they play an important role in mitigating global climate change [1]. To improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the residential building sector, it is necessary to predict the energy consumption and thermal comfort under urban climate change. Nowadays, a large number of IoT sensors, smart devices, and controllers are employed in residential buildings to collect data in a real time and seamless way [2]. Emerging digital technologies such as digital twins and artificial intelligence (AI) have proven to be a powerful tool to provide dynamic, reliable, robust, and agile models for predicting and monitoring the energy consumption and air pollutant emission levels in industrial sectors. However, digital twins have received very little attention in the residential building sector [3]. The main aim of this study is to design and prototype a digital twin system for thermal comfort monitoring, visualization, tracking, energy management, prediction, and optimization in residential buildings under different indoor and outdoor conditions. Our digital twin model is built on the basis of a thermodynamic model incorporating building attributes such as heating methods, wall materials, etc. with real-time sensor and IoT information updates to deliver precise predictive foresight and also determine the different indoor and outdoor factors contributing the most to residential heating energy consumption and thermal comfort. The digital twin model will be tested on a dataset containing sensor data, building attribute features, and weather records during five heating seasons of residential buildings in a city in Russia that was published for the first time in 2020 by IEEE DataPort [4].

References

[1] United Nations Environment Programme (2020), The 2020 global status report for building and construction: Towards a zero-emission, efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector. https://globalabc.org/sites/default/files/inline-files/2020%20Buildings%20GSR_FULL%20REPORT.pdf.

[2] Dinmohammadi, F., Wilson, D. Understanding the End-Users and Technical Requirements for Real-Time Streaming Data Analytics and Visualisation, In: 26th International Conference on Automation and Computing (ICAC), 02-04 September 2021, Portsmouth, UK.

[3] Dinmohammadi, F., Han, Y., Shafiee, M. Predicting Energy Consumption in Residential Buildings Using Advanced Machine Learning Algorithms, Energies 16 (9), 3748.

[4] Zorin, P.; Stukach, O. Data of Heating Meters from Residential Buildings in Tomsk (Russia) for Statistical Modeling of Thermal Characteristics of Buildings. Published on 5 October 2020. Available online: https://ieee-dataport.org/documents/data-heating-meters-residential-buildings-tomsk-russia-statistical-modeling-thermal.

How to cite: Dinmohammadi, F. and Shafiee, M.: A Digital Twin for Energy Consumption Prediction and Thermal Comfort Monitoring in Residential Buildings, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-22348, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-22348, 2024.

Energy supply security is currently a key priority for all European countries, and with a global push towards a decarbonized future, safe and reliable energy storage becomes vital. The European Union (EU) has introduced the European Green Deal, an initiative with the objective of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, effectively reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to zero. As Europe shifts away from fossil fuels, renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower gain prominence. Hydropower, especially hybrid pumped hydropower storage (HPHS) of excess energy from the electric grid and renewable sources, can contribute to energy security. In this context, modern geospatial technologies can be utilized as promising tools at a preliminary phase by policymakers and stakeholders to support decision-making regarding the implementation of HPHS systems in terms of spatial development and design strategy. The Geographic Information System (GIS) approach can mitigate financial costs, environmental impacts, and exposure to potential hazards such as landslides, earthquakes, and floods. Additionally, advanced geospatial approaches can maximize energy storage by calculating the best-fit options according to the morphological properties of the landscape and the end-user requirements.

In the current work, selected criteria were defined and weighted based on topographic and proximity criteria, utilizing multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), particularly the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Regarding the abandoned Greek Kardia open-pit lignite mine, seven regions were identified and recognized as suitable for HPHS, with potential energy storage capacities ranging from 1.09 to 5.16 GWh [1]. The preliminary suitability of different areas within the mine boundaries was categorized, ranging from very low to very high scoring, providing a better understanding of the existing landscape's potential for HPHS implementation. The utilized methodology identified specific locations with the highest potential for constructing the upper reservoir of the envisaged HPHS system, introducing an innovative tool that can be applied to open pit mines globally.

The present study has received funding from the Research Fund for Coal and Steel—2020, under grant agreement No. 101034022 (ATLANTIS).

[1] Krassakis, P., Karavias, A., Zygouri, E., Roumpos, C., Louloudis, G., Pyrgaki, K., Koukouzas, N., Kempka, T., Karapanos, D. (2023): GIS-Based Assessment of Hybrid Pumped Hydro Storage as a Potential Solution 

How to cite: Krassakis, P., Karavias, A., Zygouri, E., Roumpos, C., Louloudis, G., Pyrgaki, K., Koukouzas, N., and Kempka, T.: An integrated GIS-based approach to support the implementation of Hybrid Pumped Hydro Storage in the abandoned Kardia open-pit lignite mine, Western Greece, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-6138, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6138, 2024.

Climate change has intensified the scarcity of available drinking water, posing a critical challenge to communities, particularly in rural Africa. In response to this pressing issue, our study investigates the transient behavior of a multi-storey solar still as a sustainable solution. The research focuses on harnessing the latent heat of vaporization from the first stage to heat subsequent stages, utilizing pre-heated water from a reservoir. Mathematical models for each stage were developed, and the Numerical modeling of the system was carried out using the finite-forward discretization scheme on Scilab software. Insolation data for Nsukka (Lat = 6.8567, Lon= 7.3958) were extracted from NASA-SSC Database. Results showcase the temperature distribution and distillate output at each stage. The first stage reached an optimal temperature of 325K, while the second and third stages maintained averages of 322K and 319K, respectively. Distillate outputs for the first, second, and third stages were 7.5Kg, 5.7Kg, and 3.8Kg, respectively. An overall still efficiency of 16% was achieved, hence the multi-story solar still presents a promising avenue to address the water scarcity challenges faced by vulnerable rural communities in Africa.

How to cite: Oluah, C. K., Njoku, H. O., and Ekechukwu, V.: Numerical modeling of a multi-storey solar still in transient mode, EGU General Assembly 2024, Vienna, Austria, 14–19 Apr 2024, EGU24-6875, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu24-6875, 2024.