UK storage developer RheEnergise has completed "the main mechanical works" at its long-duration hydro-energy storage system facility in Devon.
The company described the Cornwood research and development (R&D) demonstrator, near Plymouth, as a "real-life test laboratory" for its technology, which combined long-duration energy storage (LDES) and pumped hydro technology. Following the completion of civil engineering works at the facility earlier this year, the Cornwood plant now has key components, including the main turbine, pump and generators, installed.
The company's hydro system uses High-Density Fluid R-19', which is two and a half times more dense than water. This high density means the project can be constructed in areas of lower elevation than conventional pumped hydro projects, where significant variations in height are essential, and the project can be up to two and a half times smaller than traditional pumped hydro projects of the same output.
