Wedoany.com Report-Mar 7, Anglesey Mining and Rhe Energise have partnered to explore the potential deployment of a “high-density” fluid energy storage technology at the Parys Mountain mine project in Wales.

The mining and energy companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in February.

They have agreed to jointly investigate the feasibility of using a modern 300m deep shaft at the mine site in Anglesey to host a hydro-energy storage project using Rhe Energise's High-Density Hydro technology.

The High-Density Hydro energy storage system is based on traditional pumped energy storage technology, where energy is generated by the movement of water between two water reservoirs at different elevations as it passes through a turbine.

Pumped storage hydro acts similarly to a giant battery, because it can store power and then release it when needed.

However, the High-Density Hydro system uses a high-density fluid which is 2.5 times denser than water.

This means that the technology requires 2.5 times less elevation than water-based systems for a given output, meaning that Rhe Energise projects can operate on low hills rather than high mountains. Additionally, installations are smaller and cheaper.

Rhe Energise has said that the deployment of the “high-density” fluid at Parys Mount would demonstrate its capabilities in an operational environment, as well as facilitate the redevelopment of the underground mine at Parys Mountain.

The companies will conduct a comprehensive scoping study to assess the technical and economic viability of the proposed project. This will involve evaluating the potential environmental impacts and identifying any necessary permits or regulatory approvals.

The parties have agreed to work together to secure non-dilutive funding to support the project through the various stages of development, from feasibility study to construction and commissioning.

The High-Density Hydro energy storage system has already been trialled in the UK at a Sibelco mining site at Cornwood, near Plymouth. The 500kw demonstrator project features an upper and lower reservoir connected by an underground pipeline.

Anglesey Mining chief executive Rob Marsden said: “Rhe Energise has demonstrated that it is able to deliver demonstrator projects here in the UK.

“The infrastructure and mothballed assets at Parys Mountain provide an ideal site at which to place a commercial scale plant. Anglesey Mining are relentlessly focused on delivering a polymetallic underground mine at Parys Mountain.

“Securing a source of consistent green power on site while benefiting from the synergies between deployment of the technology and establishing a presence back underground at Parys Mountain is key to the strategy of de-risking the incremental development of the mine.”

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Anglesey Mining on this groundbreaking project," said Stephen Crosher, Chief Executive of RheEnergise. "The Parys Mountain site presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the versatility and scalability of our HD Hydro technology. We believe that this project will serve as a model for future deployments of energy storage solutions at mine sites around the world."

The Parys Mountain mine project has significant polymetallic zinc, copper, lead, silver and gold deposit. The site has a head frame, a 300m deep production shaft and planning permission for operations.

Anglesey Mining has said that it intends to develop, build and operate a producing mine at Parys Mountain.

Parys Mountain was extensively mined for copper in the 18th century. Underground mining of Parys Mountain ceased in 1904.