MNRE Invites Proposals For Development of Gravity Storage Projects

Gravity based energy storage has been proposed as a potential solution with unique advantages of short response time and flexibility. In such systems, electricity is used to lift mass to higher elevation thereby storing potential energy and lowering this mass discharges the energy which can again be converted to electricity.

Globally, a number of entities are working in this segment. In the above background, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has invited preliminary project proposals on “Gravity Storage”. The preliminary proposals will be examined by a committee duly constituted for the purpose, and shortlisted proposals will be invited to submit a final proposal.

The overarching research objective is to develop state of the art technical know-how and develop a prototype system that has commercialization potential in the short term. Specific objectives are as follows:

1. Design and develop cost-competitive gravity storage system; and
2. Develop a prototype system integrating renewable energy with gravity storage.

The proposal should target end to end complete technological solutions. Proposing institution (academic institutions and research organizations, government agencies, industry or any other competent group) may consider evolving multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and multi-partner approach including industry with the clearly identified and complementary role of each member.

The projects will be guided by the declared policy of Department of Science and Technology (DST) with respect to Intellectual Property (IP) guidelines and allow the IP to be shared among the team of investigators and funding agencies.

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The ministry has also been supporting a research programme on different aspects of the production of hydrogen from renewable energy sources, its safe and efficient storage, and its various applications. In the above background, it has also invited preliminary project proposals on “Solar-driven seawater hydrogen production and producing methane by sequestering CO2”.

The overarching research objective is to develop state of the art technical know-how and develop a prototype system that has commercialization potential in the short term. Specific objectives are as follows:

1. Develop cost-competitive seawater electrolysis technology for hydrogen production;
2. Integrate solar power system with seawater hydrogen production process;
3. Standardise methane production process using hydrogen and CO2; and
4. Develop an integrated prototype system.