Assessment and Adaptation of Mine Shafts and Underground Workings for Pumped-Storage Hydropower: A Multi-Criteria Scoring System Approach

The study explores the potential of repurposing decommissioned mine shafts and underground workings as lower reservoirs for pumped-storage hydropower systems (USPS). A comprehensive analysis was conducted to evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with converting these infrastructures, focusing on key factors such as structural stability, water tightness, and economic feasibility.
The limitations of using horizontal corridor workings, particularly their lack of tightness, susceptibility to convergence, and high adaptation costs, were highlighted. Conversely, mine shafts emerged as more viable candidates due to their robust construction and potential for cost-effective adaptation. A scoring system was developed to assess the suitability of mine shafts and neighboring workings, incorporating criteria such as shaft dimensions, methane hazard, drainage capacity, and proximity to surface reservoir development sites.
Logical functions and mathematical formulas were applied to automate scoring and calculate total suitability scores for individual shafts. This approach enables prioritization and ranking of shafts based on technical and environmental conditions, facilitating the selection of optimal sites for USPS projects. The results underscore the importance of post-mining revitalization and propose a framework for integrating renewable energy storage into existing infrastructure. Further economic and site-specific assessments are recommended to refine project feasibility.