UK-based Mercia Power Response (Mercia PR) has signed an agreement with RheEnergise to explore the potential deployment of long-duration hydro-energy storage, known as High-Density Hydro (HD Hydro).
The pair will work together to identify suitable sites for additional HD Hydro storage projects using RheEnergise’s technology.
The two companies’ initial focus will be the feasibility of getting 100MW of HD Hydro in commercial operation by 2030 by utilising Mercia PR’s existing grid connections.
With 40 sites having a combined capacity of 263MW and a number of sites under development and construction over the next 5-10 years, Mercia PR believes RheEnergise’s HD Hydro storage technology would be a complementary, low carbon solution to its operating portfolio.
Additionally, Mercia PR’s industry partners bring market expertise in energy trading and forecasting, helping RheEnergise to optimise grid-connected energy storage projects.
RheEnergise’s HD Hydro storage system is low-cost, energy efficient and fast to develop and construct, according to the companies.
Rather than using water, it uses an environmentally benign fluid which is 2½ times denser than water, and which can provide 2½ times the power when compared to a conventional low-density hydro-power system.
It means that HD Hydro can be deployed beneath the surface of hills rather than mountains, so opening up massive opportunities in the UK and around the world, they added.
Mercia PR chief executive Graham White said: “It is very exciting to explore how we can engage with RheEnergise’s HD Hydro technology, applying our expertise in finding the right locations, developing sites, getting grid connections and operating within the Capacity Market.
“We see enormous potential for HD Hydro deployment as a future low-carbon alternative to our existing gas-powered assets.”
RheEnergise chief executive Stephen Crosher added: “Mercia PR’s experience in flexible power response and its deep knowledge of the UK energy system will be hugely beneficial to the RheEnergise team.
“Our HD Hydro technology can provide medium and long duration energy storage, which is becoming increasingly important as the UK moves towards net zero and with a UK energy system that is increasingly reliant on intermittent renewables.
“We are delighted that Mercia PR has chosen to work with us.”