Capital Energy has decided to develop a new pumped hydroelectric power plant in Puertollano, with a capacity of 592 MW. According to the preliminary projects submitted to the Ministry of Ecological Transition, the company plans to incorporate a storage system using pumping technology in the facilities to be located in Mestanza and Hinojosas de Calatrava, in addition to the mining town.
New pumped hydroelectric power plant in Puertollano for 2028
At an initial stage, it is expected to use the former coal mine for Emma coal mine as a lower Emma as a lower deposit, which avoids affecting other areas. The dam will use the flow of the Ojailén river for the initial filling and the replenishment of water due to evaporation or seepage. These will be the only times when water will be used, as the volume of turbining and pumping will be constant throughout the life of the plant.
The project also includes the construction of the pumping station on the right bank of the Ojailén river, near the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Puertollano. of Puertollano. From this station, water will be conveyed to the Emma mine, with a maximum flow rate of 100 liters per second.
The energy company estimates that the plant could begin construction this year and be operational in 2028. “Although reversible pumping plants typically face longer administrative and construction processes than other alternatives, it could be stated that, considering the work already done and the ongoing process, facilities such as this could be started in 2024 and be operational before the end of 2028,” the document states.
Advanced storage technology
Pumped storage is emerging as a promising technology for supporting the growth of renewable energy renewable energy and mitigate the low energy costs that can hinder its development. During peak energy demand hours, water is transferred from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir, generating energy through a turbine. During off-peak hours, water is pumped back to the upper reservoir, taking advantage of lower electricity rates.
This project is a closed loop, which means that the two reservoirs are disconnected from any external water source. If it materializes, Capital Energy will add this project to its 9 GW of installed hydroelectric capacity. Although the Puertollano plant is not part of the joint venture recently signed with the Austrian company recently signed with the Austrian company Verdund, both companies aim to develop 830 MW of pumped hydroelectric projects. both companies aim to develop 830 MW of pumped hydroelectric projects.
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Source: eleconomista
Photo: Shutterstock
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