New fracking-inspired technology could revolutionize renewable energy storage

Three Houston startups are using a novel approach similar to fracking to create underground storage for renewable energy, potentially reducing reliance on lithium batteries.

Dylan Baddour reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

Sage Geosystems is developing the first commercial geothermal energy storage system in South Texas, using pressurized water in underground caverns.
The technique involves injecting water underground, which is then released to generate power during peak demand, offering up to 10 hours of energy storage.
This system, while still in early stages, could provide an alternative to lithium-ion batteries, which currently dominate the energy storage market.

Key quote:

"There is a growing need for technologies that can adjust generation levels to maintain grid stability. The technology Sage is developing has the potential to be a game changer."

— Yiyi Zhou, an energy analyst at BloombergNEF

Why this matters:

Renewable energy storage is crucial for maintaining grid stability as solar and wind power become more prevalent. This technology could diversify storage options, reducing dependency on scarce lithium resources.

insideclimatenews.org

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In U.S. coal country, black lung surges as federal protections stall

While President Trump is directing hundreds of millions of dollars to coal projects, miners in Appalachia are suffering from a resurgence of black lung disease. But industry pushback has indefinitely delayed federal rules that would reduce miners’ exposure to deadly silica dust.

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