Energy
Enabling the transition to dependable, renewable energy
As the world transitions to more renewable sources of energy, there is a need for robust and reliable facilities to support its creation, storage and transfer. At Abergeldie we leverage our experience and expertise to deliver large-scale energy storage transitions that are paving the way for a more sustainable future - including gravity storage, hydraulic storage, pumped hydro, and ardent underground hydrogen storage.
Our Energy Storage Solutions
Gravity Storage
> 100MW – 200MWhrs
This type of solution is ideal for short-term storage (0-90 mins) and can deliver maximum power (100MW - 100MWhrs) in a short time. Utilising our expertise in the construction of large blind bored shafts, a heavy mass is suspended in an enclosed shaft, which stores potential energy. When energy is required to firm and stabilise energy networks, a mass can be dropped to convert the potential energy of the suspected mass via a generator and delivering synchronised electrical energy to a network. When the renewable energy is plentiful, the mass is again lifted to its charge position ready for the next cycle.
- Fast discharge and recharging
- Ideal solution for fast support to network instability
- No degradation in capacity / output over repeated charging / discharging cycles
Hydraulic storage
> 100MW – 200MWhrs
This tailored solution can be adapted for fast discharge over short or longer periods (1-24 hours) and can deliver 100MW – 200MWhrs. Utilising our expertise in constructing blind bored shafts, a large piston and cylinder is constructed underground. From its charged position, potential energy of the piston at the top of the shaft forces water through a turbine which is connected to a generator supporting the electrical network when renewable energy cannot meet system requirements.
- Medium term support for networks and micro grids
- Provides longer duration outputs, fits between gravity storage and pumped hydro
- No degradation in capacity / output over repeated charging / discharging cycles
- Provides similar advantages to pumped hydro however is site independent
Pumped Hydro
>100MW / >1GWhrs
Our pumped hydro energy system is our largest storage system, providing hundreds of megawatts (>100MW/>1GWhrs) over many hours to days (1-10 days). This system uses the potential energy stored in a large reservoir at an elevated position. When energy is required, water is released from the elevated storage via a turbine that produces electrical energy. When energy is plentiful, the process is reversed, and water is returned to the upper storage ready for the next cycle.
- Long-term high-power support for networks and micro grids
- Provides grid stability and inertia over hours to days
- No degradation in capacity / output over repeated charging / discharging cycles
- High cycle efficiency.
Ardent Underground Hydrogen Storage
Green hydrogen is poised to power the low-carbon economy, created by splitting water molecules using electrolysis powered by renewable electricity. But its low volumetric density means it must be stored in high-pressure vessels that are typically small and expensive. Ardent Underground, a division of Abergeldie, solves this missing link, unlocking the benefits of underground storage which is cost-effective, scalable, and replicable.