Addressing this critical need, Mine Shaft Energy Storage, founded by Gerry Aab, presents a groundbreaking approach by repurposing abandoned mine shafts into high-capacity, gravity-based energy reservoirs—offering a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional storage systems.
Mine Shaft Energy Storage is tackling the longstanding challenge of storing intermittent renewable energy at scale, addressing the limitations of chemical batteries that degrade over time and incur significant material costs.
Their core innovation involves converting vertical mine shafts into mechanical energy reservoirs by lifting water to the surface using a patented carbon fibre power loop.
Unlike conventional pumped hydro, which requires complex underground infrastructure, this system places all major equipment above ground, simplifying construction and reducing costs.
The high-speed continuous loop operates at ten times the velocity of traditional mechanical systems, enabling lighter components and vastly superior economics—achieving industry-leading Levelised Cost of Storage (LCOS).
This mechanical, durable solution offers a lifespan spanning decades, with a capacity of approximately 600 MWh per shaft, providing a scalable and sustainable solution for large-grid storage needs. Its simplicity, low cost, and robustness make it uniquely positioned to revolutionize renewable energy storage, especially in regions with abundant abandoned mines such as South Africa.
South Africa alone boasts over 6,000 abandoned mine shafts, with at least 200 suitable for immediate development. With full funding, Mine Shaft Energy Storage aims to scale rapidly—from demonstration models to a full 50 MW pilot project by 2027—and ultimately expand to 20 units by 2030.
These installations would collectively provide 1 GW of generation capacity and 24 GWh of storage—a monumental step toward a sustainable, resilient grid.
Each system could replace the equivalent of one million lithium-ion car batteries, with an expected operational lifetime exceeding several decades. The project’s environmental impact includes massive greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions—potentially saving millions of tons over 20 years—and supporting South Africa’s climate commitments.
Most importantly, over 80% of each project’s value remains local, centered on civil construction, local manufacturing, and community employment. This approach creates approximately 1,000 jobs during construction and maintains 100–200 permanent roles per site, generating a significant economic multiplier effect.
South Africa’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan recognises storage as an essential component for future grid stability, positioning Mine Shaft Energy Storage as a strategic asset aligned with national energy goals. While licensing procedures exist, the project’s strong relationships with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, as well as the Department of Science and Innovation, facilitate smooth progress.
Additionally, the potential for integrating carbon credit schemes could open new revenue streams, complementing existing energy arbitrage opportunities. As clean energy policies evolve and incentives expand, Mine Shaft Energy Storage is poised to further enhance the economic viability of their solutions.
Mine Shaft Energy Storage actively collaborates with leading academic institutions such as UCT, Wits, and Stellenbosch, as well as industry giants including Sibanye-Stillwater, Harmony Gold, Anglo American, and SRK Consulting. These relationships bolster research development, technological innovation, and regional deployment capacity.
The company views Enlit Africa as a vital platform—not only for demonstrating their technology and securing strategic investments but also for establishing partnerships that can facilitate replication, regional expansion, and co-investment opportunities. Their upcoming participation aims to unlock new growth avenues and accelerate the deployment of sustainable, gravity-based energy storage solutions across Africa.
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