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Harz Region's Mining Cavities Repurposed for Energy & Water Management

Old mining cavities in the Harz region are being repurposed for innovative energy and water management. This could set a precedent for other former mining regions.

This is the picture of a place where we have water on the rocks and around there are some rocks,...
This is the picture of a place where we have water on the rocks and around there are some rocks, plants and trees.

Harz Region's Mining Cavities Repurposed for Energy & Water Management

A groundbreaking project in the Harz region aims to repurpose old mining cavities for a dual purpose: energy transition and water management. Led by the Technical University of Clausthal, this two-year, 2.4 million euro venture seeks to combine energy and water management tasks in a single power plant.

The project's duration spans two years, with a total volume of approximately 2.4 million euros. Around 1 million euros of the funding comes from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), with the remaining 1.4 million euros co-financed by industrial partners.

Geotechnical investigations and simulations will play a pivotal role in the project's implementation. The aim is to develop, implement, simulate, and optimize the operation of combined power plants. A pilot project plans to connect mining cavities with existing dams, creating innovative pumped storage power plants.

Historically, the Harz region was known for its silver, copper, lead, and zinc mines. Now, these large mining cavities are being reconsidered for the energy transition and water management. The project is led by the Technical University of Clausthal, with collaboration from several universities and companies.

The project's success could pave the way for similar initiatives in other former mining regions. It demonstrates a commitment to sustainable energy transition and innovative water management solutions. With a mix of public and private funding, this project stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in driving Germany's energy future.

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