Mount Isa signs up to advance Green Gravity energy vision

Green Gravity has kicked off regional studies, mine site concept engineering and community engagement for the deployment of up to 2GWh of gravitational energy storage in the Mount Isa area. It is working with the Mount Isa City Council and Glencore for the potential use of local mineshafts for its technology as Glencore's Mount Isa Mines winds down its local copper mining operations. The company has completed a memorandum of understanding with the council to cooperate in the deployment of gravitational energy storage in the region. In parallel, Green Gravity said it had commenced concept engineering study work supported by Glencore at Mount Isa Mines. Image at top of page: Mount Isa Mayor Peta MacRae and Green Gravity founder Mark Swinnerton (centre) sign the MOU, with city councillors and chief executive officer Tim Rose. “Mount Isa is an ideal location for the deployment of gravitational energy storage. The region has an abundance of solar energy resource, matched with a long history of deep underground mining leading to a large population of high-quality legacy mineshafts,” Green Gravity founder and chief executive officer Mark Swinnerton said. “Our collaborative work with Glencore at the Mount Isa Copper Operations is a great example of how Green Gravity technology has the potential to create new economic pathways as mines approach closure. "We are excited to collaborate with Mount Isa City Council on this transformative project. Our gravitational energy storage technology has the potential to revolutionise energy storage and support the region’s transition to a greener economy.” Related: Green Gravity homes in on Mount Isa power potential Green Gravity’s energy storage system moves heavy weights vertically in legacy mineshafts to capture and release the gravitational potential energy of the weights. The company said gravitational energy storage represented a significant economic option for Mount Isa’s future, with the potential to attract more than $1 billion in private capital over the next decade. The establishment of renewable energy generation and long-duration energy storage assets could create more than 350 full-time equivalent jobs during its development phase, it said. The work to be carried out under the MOU with the council includes conducting a comprehensive study to assess the potential supply chain and manufacturing options for the weights used in the technology. This would involve evaluating capabilities and skills in the region, and exploring opportunities to retrain and upskill trades, particularly those affected by the closure of the Mount Isa Copper Operations. Mount Isa City Council chief executive officer Tim Rose said the MOU with Green Gravity marked a significant step towards a sustainable and prosperous future for Mount Isa. "By partnering with Green Gravity, we are exploring innovative solutions to our energy needs and creating new opportunities for our community," he said. Glencore general manager health, safety, environment and community Maryann Wipaki said the concept presented a potential opportunity to repurpose mine infrastructure on the closure of Mount Isa copper mine and contribute to the long-term resilience and success of the local community. You may also like: https://industryqld.com.au/green-energy-venture-looks-to-qld-mines-with-hole-lotta-love/

Mount Isa signs up to advance Green Gravity energy vision

Industry Queensland

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