Switzerland’s Renewable ‘Water Battery’ Is Finally Operational After 14 Years

A new water battery, said to be the equivalent of a whopping 400,000 electric vehicle batteries, will finally begin operations in Switzerland after over a decade of construction. 

Located in a subterranean cavern in Canton of Valais, the gadget will allow the country to generate and store a vast amount of hydroelectric energy, which will then be used as a greener source of power throughout Europe. 

According to Euronews Green, a water battery works by making use of two large pools of water at different heights. The “charging” process occurs when water from the lower pool is pumped to the one higher up, allowing it to store excess electricity. 

When energy is needed, the direction of the water is reversed, setting off a turbine that generates the hydroelectric electricity. 

This particular battery comprises six pump turbines, allowing it an astonishing output of 900 MW, or enough juice to power up to 900,000 homes in the region.

Plus, its huge 200 million kWh storage capacity will allow it to “play a significant role” in Europe’s energy grids, especially in times of overloads. 

Interestingly, the project took 14 years to complete and cost €2 billion (US$2.1 billion), due to the logistical and engineering challenges of having to drill 18 kilometers (11 miles) of underground tunnels through the mountainous grounds of the Alps. 

As per Interesting Engineering, the lengthy build time included expanding the height of the Vieux Emosson dam by 65 feet, so the energy storage capacity of the battery could be increased.

While the concept of a water battery may seem futuristic, the method of generating electricity has already been used in Switzerland for centuries.

Other countries are looking to tap into this cleaner source of energy, with China planning to build 200 such hydro stations by 2025.

[via Interesting Engineering and Euronews Green, cover image via Hai Huy Ton That | Dreamstime.com]