Dynamic Earth Energy Storage: Terawatt-Year, Grid-Scale Energy Storage using Planet Earth as a Thermal Battery is a collaborative project led by INL that addresses the concept of energy storage that would involve converting excess electrical energy to heat and storing it geologically in deep saline aquifers. Additionally, available/excess thermal energy (from thermal generation sources) can be directly stored geologically with minimal processing. Stored heat can then be withdrawn at a later time to be used directly (as process heat for industrial applications) or indirectly (electrical generation). Scientists from LBNL will be responsible for developing a numerical grid for an analogue system and conducting TOUGHREACT modeling to evaluate geochemical effects to geological thermal storage reservoir associated with long term fluid cycling and changing thermal conditions. More details on this project can be found HERE.
