Pre-feasibility study for energy storage pilot in depleted mines

Important results from the project

The goal was to gather information about the mining landscape and energy markets in the upper Midwest to enable a market establishment in the United States. This took place through a study trip to the states of Arizona, Wisconsin and Michigan. During the study, collaborations were created with the energy company Dairyland Power and with Michigan Tech University. Contacts were established with mine owners, local interest associations and municipal and federal government officials and politicians. Mines were visited and evaluated. The project fulfilled its aim.

Expected long term effects

The expected result was to establish collaborations with local energy companies, universities, local government representatives and politicians, as well as to gain a better understanding of mines potential for minestorage facilities. All this was achieved via dialogue with Arizona State University, Michigan Tech University, Dairyland Power, municipal representatives for mines and land. Furthermore, potential mines were visited and evaluated. Workshops were arranged for better market understanding.

Approach and implementation

The project was carried out in two stages: a study trip to Tucson Arizona as part of Sweden-USA Innovation Days (Business Sweden), 10-12.10.2023. During this part three mines were visited, several companies and a conference was arranged. The second part was carried out as a study trip to Wisconsin and Michigan,16-20.10.2023 (Houghton, MI/ La Crosse, WI). where workshops were arranged with a local energy company and university. Mines were visited, meetings were arranged with mine owners, politicians and municipal representatives. The study trip exceeded the expected results.