We don't know what to do with the old coal mines. Switzerland's idea is to turn them into a giant "battery"
European energy infrastructure is set to gain a significant boost through an innovative project repurposing former coal mines in Spain. Swiss energy company Alpiq has acquired the "CDR Navaleo" hydroelectric energy storage project in the El Bierzo region, marking a substantial investment in renewable energy solutions. This initiative aims to transform abandoned industrial sites into critical components of the future energy grid, underscoring a growing trend of leveraging existing infrastructure for sustainable development. The Navaleo project centers on pumped-storage hydroelectricity, utilizing old mining shafts to store energy. Initially developed by Erbienergía, the project has attracted an estimated investment ranging from €300 million to over €450 million. This ambitious undertaking received a considerable €35.5 million grant from the Spanish Ministry for the Ecological Transition, highlighting its strategic importance for the nation's energy security and green transition. This development has significant implications for Spain's energy grid and its capacity to integrate renewable sources like solar and wind power. By providing large-scale energy storage, the Navaleo project will help stabilize the grid, mitigate intermittency issues, and enhance overall energy efficiency. The involvement of a major European energy player like Alpiq also signals international confidence in Spain's renewable energy potential and its evolving digital energy landscape.
Curated and translated by Europe Digital for our multilingual European audience.
Source Information
European Alternatives You Might Like
Pixelfed
Pixelfed is a decentralized, open-source social media platform for sharing images. Users can upload and share photos, follow other users, and interact through likes, comments, and shares. Utilizing the ActivityPub protocol, Pixelfed allows for federation, enabling users to interact with individuals on other compatible platforms. It is designed for photographers and anyone seeking a privacy-focused, community-driven alternative to centralized image-sharing services.
Element (Matrix)
Element is a secure, decentralized communication platform built on the Matrix protocol. It allows users to send end-to-end encrypted messages, share files, and participate in group chats. Key features include voice and video calls, bridging with other communication platforms like Slack and Discord, and the ability to host your own server for enhanced privacy and control. Element is suitable for individuals, teams, and organizations seeking secure and private communication, and is particularly beneficial for those who value data sovereignty and open-source solutions.
SoundCloud
SoundCloud is a digital audio distribution platform where users can upload, promote, and share their original music and audio. Key features include music streaming, direct messaging, commenting, and the ability to follow artists and playlists. This platform is primarily used by independent musicians, DJs, and podcasters to share their work, connect with listeners, and build an audience. SoundCloud offers a vast library of user-generated content, providing access to a wide range of music and audio not always available on other streaming services.
Ecosia
Ecosia is a search engine that utilizes ad revenue to fund tree-planting initiatives. Users can perform web searches using the same technology as Bing, accessing search results, images, videos, and news. A counter displays the number of trees planted through user searches, and the company reports on its financial activities, including its impact on the environment and carbon neutrality. Ecosia's primary benefit is its commitment to environmental sustainability, appealing to users who want to support reforestation efforts while browsing the internet.