Energy Vault Holdings, Inc.
and Carbosulcis S.p.A. are collaborating to develop a 100MW hybrid energy storage system at the former Nuraxi Figus coal mine site in Sardinia.
The project is based on Energy Vault’s innovative technology, which combines modular gravity storage and lithium-ion batteries, managed by VaultOS™ software.
The hybrid storage system uses the 500-meter-deep mine shafts to optimize energy storage.
Implementation will begin in September 2024, with testing scheduled until 2025.
The project aims to transform the mine site into a technology hub focused on renewable energies.
Transforming a Mine into a Technology Hub
The Nuraxi Figus mine, scheduled to close by 2026, will be converted into a low environmental impact technology hub.
The project will stabilize the island’s power grid and promote the local use of renewable energies.
It is part of the industrial and economic conversion of the region, which has been heavily affected by the phasing out of coal.
The land lease agreement was signed in July 2024.
Energy Vault will own and operate the system, demonstrating its long-term commitment to the region.
This project represents a crucial step in Sardinia’s energy transition.
A Strategic Partnership
Francesco Lippi, CEO of Carbosulcis, underlines the importance of this collaboration with Energy Vault.
He emphasizes the ability of this storage solution to maximize the use of renewable energies and improve grid stability in Sardinia.
This partnership is essential for the development of the technology cluster and the region’s energy transition.
Marco Terruzin, Chief Commercial and Product Officer of Energy Vault, expresses his enthusiasm for this project, which contributes to the economic revitalization of Sardinia.
He emphasizes the versatility of Energy Vault’s storage solutions, capable of meeting a wide range of energy needs worldwide.
Towards a Sustainable Energy Future
Energy Vault’s EV0™ technology, announced in May 2024, is part of the G-VAULT™ Gravity Energy Storage System (GESS) range.
This new “modular hydraulic pumping” design is particularly suited to underground applications, such as the deep mine shafts at Nuraxi Figus.
This mine, once one of the largest in Europe, has estimated reserves of 2.5 billion tonnes of sub-bituminous coal.
This project is the second deployment of a hybrid energy storage system by Energy Vault, following that of Calistoga PG&E in California.
This green microgrid, the largest in the world, combines green hydrogen with lithium-ion batteries.
Energy Vault continues to demonstrate the flexibility and potential of its energy storage solutions.
