The energy transition in Europe requires not only investment in renewable energy sources but also in innovative storage solutions. One of the most promising initiatives is GrEnMine (Gravitational Energy storage in the post-Mine areas)—an international project that aims to repurpose former mining sites into modern gravitational energy storage facilities.
New Energy for Old Places
The concept behind GrEnMine is based on a simple yet effective physical principle: the use of gravity. Energy is stored by lifting heavy blocks—such as concrete or steel—when there is excess electricity in the grid. When demand rises, the blocks are lowered, releasing energy back into the system.
Unlike battery storage, gravitational solutions do not rely on rare earth metals, have long operational lifespans, and generate no hazardous waste. This makes them environmentally friendly and aligned with the principles of the circular economy.
AGH’s Role: From Geotechnics to Regional Transformation
A key role in the project is played by the AGH University of Science and Technology in Kraków. Its Energy Center team is developing detailed geotechnical models of post-mining areas, assessing both their stability and suitability for hosting heavy energy storage systems.
“Creating Poland’s first gravitational energy storage facility is a significant step toward energy independence and the transformation of post-mining regions. It allows us to reclaim degraded land while giving it a new purpose in the green economy. However, such systems cannot be built everywhere—they require specific geotechnical conditions and elevation differences,”
– said Prof. Marek Cała, leader of the AGH team involved in GrEnMine.
International Cooperation and the European Context
Gravitational energy storage technologies are being developed globally by companies such as Energy Vault (Switzerland), Gravitricity (UK), and ARES and Gravity Power (USA). GrEnMine stands out as one of the first such projects implemented under the European Union framework.
The initiative involves a broad international partnership including: Wrocław University of Science and Technology, AGH Kraków, PGE Mining and Conventional Energy, Poltegor-Institute, VUHU a.s., University of Petrosani, Technical University of Crete, Four Point Sp. z o.o., LTGNTTORYCHETA Achladas A.E., and Societatea Complexul Energetic Oltenia S.A.
The project is funded by the EU Research Fund for Coal and Steel (RFCS), with completion scheduled for June 2027.
Toward Scalable Energy Storage
The goal of GrEnMine is to develop a technology that is not only innovative but also scalable and adaptable across different European regions. By giving degraded industrial sites a new function, the project supports both energy transformation and local economic development.
GrEnMine combines three key dimensions: environmental restoration, technological innovation, and sustainable regional growth. If successful, it could position Poland and Europe as pioneers in gravitational energy storage—enabling efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solutions for the renewable energy era.
