Former oil executives aim to solve one of the biggest problems with renewables

A group of former oil executives from Shell are taking on one of the most pressing challenges in the renewable energy sector: finding cost-efficient ways to store surplus power from clean energy technology when demand on the grid is low. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are cleaner alternatives to fossil fuels, but they are also intermittent, as the sun does not always shine and the wind does not always blow.

Generating more power when conditions are optimal is an option, although storing energy from renewables can be expensive. It often costs more than the process of making the energy in the first place. To address this issue, a startup called Sage Geosystems, led by former oil industry veterans, is working with the state of Texas to explore an innovative solution for energy storage. Their approach involves storing excess energy underground, essentially creating a battery within the Earth.

The project aims to construct the world’s first geothermal energy storage system that can deliver power back to the grid. Sage Geosystems is leasing space from a coal power plant in Texas, where it plans to drill a well into the Earth to create a reservoir for storing water. When renewable energy production exceeds demand, this excess energy will be used to pump water into the underground reservoir, compressing it and storing it under pressure.

When additional power is needed on the grid, the facility’s valves can be opened to release the water back to the surface. As the water is released, it will drive a turbine to generate electricity, effectively turning the stored energy back into usable power.

This pilot project is designed to hold 3 megawatts of energy, a relatively small capacity. However, if the project is successful, larger facilities could be developed in the future. Construction is already underway, and Sage Geosystems expects the project to be completed by the end of 2024.

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