Innovative Energy Storage Project at Potosi Mine - Silver City Energy Storage Facility
Douglas Partners is thrilled to announce our collaboration with Hydrostor on a groundbreaking project deploying advanced compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) at the Potosi Mine, located on Silver Peak Road in Broken Hill, NSW. This project, known as the Silver City Energy Storage Centre (SCES), is set to revolutionize energy storage solutions in Australia, repurposing the existing underground mine infrastructure
Project Overview
The SCES project will feature the construction of a non-consumptive water reservoir, with a capacity of approximately 300 million litres, combined with an underground rock cavern capable of storing around 250,000 cubic meters of compressed air. This cavern will be situated approximately 560 meters below the surface, connected to the surface infrastructure through separate air and water shafts.
Douglas Partners’ Role
Douglas Partners was entrusted with providing comprehensive geotechnical services during the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) phase.
Our expertise was critical in ensuring a successful investigation into the project’s success, covering a wide array of geotechnical investigation and supervision tasks:
Detailed Geotechnical Logging:
Broken Hill is home to some of the most geologically complex formations in the world, dominated by metamorphic rocks. Understanding the behaviour of these formations—particularly their foliation, schistosity, defects, infilling, and strength—is critical for designing and constructing deep shafts that can withstand in-situ stresses and long-term underground conditions.
- Conducted geotechnical logging in accordance with AS1726:2017 of multiple bores, reaching depths of up to 640 meters.
- Utilized specialised field techniques for photography, rock strength testing and hydraulic conductivity testing with over 90 tests on the deep holes.
- Supervising down-hole in-situ stress measurement testing and down-hole geophysical logging.
- Preparation and laboratory testing of a large range or rock mechanic, aggregate, environmental and thermal testing suits.
Existing Mine Stockpile Material Analysis:
- Performed detailed logging, sampling, and laboratory testing of materials from the existing mine stockpile.
Surface Geological and Geotechnical Mapping:
- Executed thorough geological and geotechnical mapping of the site’s surface.
- Provided interpretation services for an extensive surface geophysical surveying program, offering invaluable insights into the site’s geological characteristics.
Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future
The SCES project represents a significant step forward in sustainable energy storage, utilizing the existing underground infrastructure of the Potosi Mine to create an efficient and reliable energy storage system that will provide grid reliability for many decades. A-CAES will help balance energy supply and demand on a large scale, similar to that of pumped hydro, but using substantially less land and water, A-CAES is essential energy infrastructure that is mature and ready to be deployed in Australia today.
Why Choose Douglas Partners?
With over 60 years of industry experience, Douglas Partners is Australia’s choice for ground expertise. Our commitment to delivering high-quality geotechnical solutions is underpinned by our extensive experience, leading-edge resources, and a dedicated team of professionals.
We pride ourselves on our:
Specialized Expertise: Providing tailored solutions for geotechnical and environmental challenges.
Nationwide Presence: Offering comprehensive services across Australia.
Client-Centric Approach: Focusing on long-term partnerships and sustainable practices.
The collaboration between Douglas Partners and Hydrostor on the SCES project at Potosi Mine is a testament to our capabilities and dedication to advancing essential energy infrastructure. We are proud to be a part of this project and look forward to its successful implementation.
For more information on our geotechnical services and how we can assist with your projects, visit our Expertise page.
