Utility Scale Energy Storage Idea # 3

Make use of an abandoned quarry by turning it into a pumped "water storage battery".  Many abandoned quarries are deep enough to contain a massive amount of water with stone walls already there!  A pumped water storage battery can store enormous amounts of energy, and release it very quickly.

Separate the quarry into two areas or use two quarries near each other with one at higher altitude than the other. When the Grid has spare electricity, the battery charges by pumping water to the upper quarry. At peak times the water is released through a hydro generator turbine. Peak electricity is more useful and hence more valuable than off-peak electricity.

Powered by electricity, pumped storage batteries produce no smoke and do not require fuel deliveries. Once the quarries have been made water tight and connected with a pipe, a properly maintained facility will work indefinitely.

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