Long-Duration Energy Storage using High-Density Hydro

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As renewable energy deployment grows, grid operators face challenges in balancing intermittent generation from wind and solar. European policies like the REPowerEU Plan, Green Deal, and Net-Zero Industry Act emphasize the urgent need for scalable energy storage to support renewable integration and net-zero goals. Existing alternatives—such as lithium-ion batteries—offer short-duration storage (2-4 hours) and are subject to supply chain vulnerabilities and raw material dependencies, affecting their scalability. Traditional pumped hydro energy storage (PHES), while proven, has long permitting cycles, high CAPEX, and strict geographical requirements. We have developed HD Hydro®, an innovative pumped hydro technology that unlocks energy storage on small hills instead of mountains. By utilizing a high-density fluid (HDF) that is 2.5x denser than water, HD Hydro® can store 4-16+ hours of energy in sites previously unsuitable for PHES, dramatically expanding the number of viable locations for pumped hydro projects. It is cost-effective, modular, and integrates seamlessly with grid infrastructure, making it a superior and scalable choice for LDES. HD Hydro® is attractive to utilities, renewable energy and independent power developers. We have made significant progress, including: - TRL6 validation through a 500 kW demonstration project in Plymouth, UK. - 20 patents across 11 families protecting our technology. - Strong partnerships with industry leaders, universities, and investors. With this project, we will: - Optimize and demonstrate the HD Turbine technology, including lab testing, fluid dynamics validation, and component optimization. - Finalize the manufacturing and scale-up strategy for a 5 MW prototype, leveraging advanced manufacturing methods. - Advance to TRL8, positioning HD Hydro® for full-scale commercial deployment. The EIC Accelerator grant will enable us to de-risk industrialization, strengthening Europe’s energy independence and net-zero transition.