A pioneering hydropower system, described as the first of its kind, has begun generating electricity on a hillside near Plymouth in Devon. The technology, developed by RheEnergise, uses a mineral-rich fluid over two and a half times denser than water, enabling energy storage and release on gentle slopes rather than the steep terrain required for traditional hydropower dams.
The system operates like a battery: it pumps the dense fluid uphill when renewable energy is abundant and releases it downhill through turbines to generate electricity when demand is high. This 'high-intensity' hydro project can produce the same power as conventional hydropower from slopes less than half the height, making it suitable for many more locations across the UK and globally.
Stephen Crosher, chief executive of RheEnergise, confirmed the government-backed project has consistently met its goal of generating 500 kilowatts, enough to power 400 homes for a year if run continuously. The company is in talks with developers in the UK, Italy, Poland, Spain and North America to build the first commercial-scale project within three years, with larger utility partnerships expected in the 2030s.
The UK government has allocated over £69 million for long-duration energy storage development, viewing such technology as crucial for managing wind and solar power variability. By storing low-carbon generation for longer periods, it could reduce reliance on fossil fuels and prevent renewable energy curtailment. Patrick Vallance, minister for science, innovation and research, said: 'Storing energy will play an increasingly important role as we transition to clean power. RheEnergise's first-of-a-kind system has the potential to strengthen our future long duration energy storage capabilities.'
