Mercia & RheEnergise sign UK long-duration storage deal

Mercia Power Response, a provider of flexible power response services to the UK grid, has signed an agreement with RheEnergise to explore the potential deployment of long-duration hydro-energy storage in the UK.

Mercia and RheEnergise will work together to “identify suitable sites” for ‘High-Density Hydro’ (HD Hydro) projects, a statement said.

“The two companies’ initial focus will be the feasibility of getting 100MW of HD Hydro in commercial operation by 2030 by utilising Mercia PR’s existing grid connections,” the statement added.

RheEnergise’s HD Hydro storage system, rather than using water, uses an environmentally benign fluid which is 2.5 times denser than water, and which can provide 2.5 times the power when compared to a conventional low-density hydro-power system. It means that HD Hydro can be deployed beneath the surface of hills rather than mountains.

Graham White, CEO at Mercia, said: “It is very exciting to explore how we can engage with RheEnergise's HD Hydro technology, applying our expertise in finding the right locations, developing sites, getting grid connections and operating within the capacity market. We see enormous potential for HD Hydro deployment as a future low-carbon alternative to our existing gas-powered assets.”

Stephen Crosher, chief executive of RheEnergise, said: “Mercia PR’s experience in flexible power response and its deep knowledge of the UK energy system will be hugely beneficial to the RheEnergise team.  Our HD Hydro technology can provide medium and long duration energy storage, which is becoming increasingly important as the UK moves towards net zero and with a UK energy system that is increasingly reliant on intermittent renewables.” 

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