HYDROMINE – Pumped HYDROelectric Storage in post MINEd areas to support regional net-zero emission energy systems development

EXPECTED RESULTS

• Database of potential of European post-mining and quarries sites for small and medium scale PHS energy storage implementation.
• Efficient and cost effective small and medium size Pumped Hydroelectric Storage technology (type of series) that can be installed in post-mining and quarries sites and other convenient locations.
• Benchmarking and evaluation of proposed small and medium size PHS technology by developing and testing demonstrator.
• Development of a comprehensive tool to assess the potential of post-mining and quarries sites and other convenient locations for the developed small and medium size PHS technology.

REPORTS STAGE I (2025)

The work package for which the University of Petroșani is responsible is package no. 2 – WP2. This work package is due to be completed in the 15th month of the project. The activities within this package are: Activity 1.5. Determination of geotechnical parameters for potential small-scale PHS locations; Activity 1.6. Development of geotechnical models for the selected sites; Activity 1.7. Numerical simulations. The University of Petroșani has achieved all the objectives set out in the activities established for 2025.

As part of Activity 1.1. Selection of potential locations for small-scale PHS technology in partner countries, a questionnaire was developed in collaboration with partners to propose possible locations, requesting the submission of relevant data. Based on the analysis of closed mining sites, the mining sites in Romania that best meet the established criteria were selected.  The analysis of the results and the systematization of the data for the database was carried out by the TUC partner.

For Activity 1.2 – Identification of key geotechnical and infrastructure parameters, a questionnaire was developed and distributed to partners to be completed with data from the proposed locations. The UP team collected and recorded data on the Peșteana Sud and Urdari locations, using existing technical documentation at CEO, team studies, and laboratory determinations. Three sections through the remaining gap are needed to develop a 3D model of the whole (one longitudinal and two cross-sectional) *.dwg, *.dxf, *.dgn . and geotechnical properties for each layer. Summarizing the achievements for Activity 1.3 – Development of a methodology for assessing the potential use of mines/quarries for small-scale PHS technology, the following are noteworthy: In addition to the well-known criteria, a number of additional criteria have been identified as a result of the PHS location. A methodology was developed for assessing the potential use of mines/quarries for small-scale PHS technology, which, in addition to meeting the general criteria, takes into account the particularities of the location of these facilities within the perimeter of former mining operations. This is complemented by a mathematical model that allows the efficiency of storage to be assessed. As part of Activity 1.4 – Creation of a database of potential exploitable resources, following the request for data, the Peșteana Sud – Urdari quarries were chosen as the first location, the questionnaire was completed with the required data, and sent to partners. Data for two other locations is to be sent. For Activity 1.5 – Determination of geotechnical parameters for potential small-scale PHS locations, the necessary geotechnical parameters were established, a questionnaire was sent, and based on these, data on the Peșteana Sud – Urdari quarry was obtained, and we also received data from our partner TUC (POLYTECHNEIO KRITIS).

Summarizing the achievements for Activity 1.6 – Development of geotechnical models for selected sites, geotechnical models were developed for the Peșteana Sud – Urdari site, and based on data received from the TUC partner (POLYTECHNEIO KRITIS), a 3D model of the ACHLADA NORTH SITE quarry was developed using PLAXIS DESIGNER.

As part of Activity 1.7 – Numerical simulations, numerical stability simulations were performed for Pesteana Sud – before and after flooding, using SLOPE software from GeoStru, and for Achlada Nord, GeoStru, RocScience, and PLAXIS DESIGNER LE were used.

For Activity 1.8 – Analysis of proposed technical solutions, to which the University of Petroșani is a contributor, an analysis of various mature existing energy storage technologies was prepared, with an emphasis on the comparative technical characterization of various energy storage systems. Summarizing the achievements for Activity 1.9 – Development of concepts and flow for the design of small pumped energy storage units, a report was prepared and sent to the coordinator, and an online table was completed with the estimated price for setting up new energy storage facilities for Romania, based on data found in various sources.

As part of Activity 1.10 – Selection, evaluation, and description of the properties of materials proposed for pipes, the University of Petroșani developed a mathematical model to determine the energy generation potential for a pumped storage hydroelectric power plant, which highlighted the need to ensure the lowest possible pressure loss on the supply pipeline, which requires the use of materials with the lowest possible roughness and the largest possible diameter for the construction of the pipeline. The possibilities for the location of the pipeline were analyzed on site. For Activity 1.11 – Various reports, the University of Petroșani presented reports, some of a technical nature and others relating to the status of the project’s objectives and the Technical Progress Report of the University of Petroșani in June 2025. As part of Activity 1.12 – Contributions to formative evaluation, discussions were held with other groups with similar projects.  For Activity 1.13 – Contributions to other activities of the knowledge community, a team member joined CET Partnership and also participated in the CETPartnership Knowledge Community cross-cutting Working Group Meeting (November 18, 2025). A report was made on the trip abroad and the dissemination activity.