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US, Germany Invested Millions in Subsea Energy Storage Utilizing 3D Printing
At a time when climate change is becoming an increasing threat to our planet, it is critical to start adopting sustainable energy sources and technologies. The project Stored Energy in the Sea (StEnSea) was developed in 2012 for that reason.…
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At a time when climate change is becoming an increasing threat to our planet, it is critical to start adopting sustainable energy sources and technologies. The project Stored Energy in the Sea (StEnSea) was developed in 2012 for that reason. Conceived by the German Fraunhofer Institute and supported by Sperra and PLEUGER, the project aims to revolutionize long-duration energy storage by adapting the principles of pumped storage hydropower for subsea environments. Notably, the technology leverages 3D printing.
The project enables a unique approach to energy storage by putting hollow, 3D printed concrete spheres on the seabed at depths of 600 to 800 meters. These spheres are adaptable. When the electricity demand is low, the spheres are emptied of water using PLEUGER’s submersible pumps to store potential energy. When the electricity demand is at its peak, water can flow back into the spheres, turning the pumps into turbines that generate electricity.
Image credits: Sperra.com
The method has an effect similar to traditional pumped storage hydropower but is adapted for the subsea environment. The system takes advantage of ocean pressure to store and release energy efficiently. Additionally, the solution addresses the demand for scalable, efficient energy storage that is compatible with renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and stabilizing power grids.
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