Pleuger Industries, a forefront innovator in submersible motor pump technologies, has announced its significant involvement in advancing subsea energy storage through the StEnSea (Stored Energy in the Sea) project. Since its inception in 2012, PLEUGER has partnered with Fraunhofer IEE and Sperra to leverage its expertise in submersible pump systems, paving the way for a new era of renewable energy storage solutions. Originally developed by the German Fraunhofer Institute, the StEnSea project aims to transform long-duration energy storage by applying pumped storage hydropower principles to subsea environments.
This innovative approach to energy storage involves deploying hollow concrete spheres on the seabed at depths ranging from 600 to 800 meters. During periods of low electricity demand, PLEUGER’s specially designed submersible pumps remove water from these spheres to store potential energy. When demand peaks, water flows back into the spheres, converting the pumps into turbines that generate electricity. This method not only mirrors traditional pumped storage hydropower but also adapts it to the subsea environment, utilizing ocean pressure for efficient energy storage and release.
A detailed GIS analysis of coastal marine areas has identified numerous potential deployment sites worldwide, including locations off the coasts of Norway, Portugal, the U.S. East and West Coasts, Brazil, and Japan. The technology is also applicable to deep natural or artificial lakes, such as flooded open-pit mines, thereby broadening its potential uses.
This ambitious initiative addresses the pressing need for scalable and efficient energy storage solutions capable of integrating renewable energy sources, stabilizing power grids, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. By harnessing PLEUGER’s custom pump systems, the project promises to deliver a groundbreaking, modular subsea pumped hydroelectric storage system that operates invisibly beneath the ocean’s surface.
International Support and Funding
The StEnSea project has garnered substantial financial support from both the U.S. and German governments, underscoring its significance and the confidence in its potential global impact. The U.S. Department of Energy Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) has allocated $4 million to the project, highlighting the importance of developing innovative energy storage solutions that align with the country’s renewable energy goals. Similarly, the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) has pledged €3.7 million, emphasizing the vital role of international collaboration in advancing sustainable technologies.
“The global energy transition requires transformative, scalable solutions, and Pleuger is at the forefront. Our ‘Stored Energy in the Sea’ project aligns with our strategy to expand in renewables and advance ocean-based technology for sustainable energy,” said Anton Schneerson, CEO of Pleuger Industries. “Kudos to our talented engineers, whose expertise drives these cutting-edge solutions.”
Technological Advancement for Sustainability
Since its inception, PLEUGER has played a crucial role in developing the StEnSea project, including the design of its first prototype featuring a specialized underwater pump. With substantial funding and international collaboration, the project is set to scale up to a 10-meter prototype capable of generating 0.5 MW of power at depths exceeding 600 meters.
“Pumped storage power plants are ideally suited for storing electricity for several hours to days, but their expansion potential globally is limited. By transferring their functionality to the seabed, we face far fewer natural and ecological restrictions. Moreover, we expect higher acceptance from citizens,” explained Dr. Bernhard Ernst, Senior Project Manager at Fraunhofer IEE.
Operating at such depths presents significant engineering challenges, necessitating robust and precise technology. PLEUGER’s specialized pumps are designed to perform efficiently under extreme pressures and harsh conditions, ensuring reliable energy generation and storage in a compact form. This makes them perfect for the modular and scalable design envisioned for StEnSea, which can be deployed near coastal cities globally.
Revolutionizing Energy Storage
Beyond its technological innovations, the StEnSea project has the potential to significantly impact energy storage. By implementing offshore energy storage systems, the project circumvents many land-based challenges associated with traditional pumped storage hydropower, such as environmental impacts and land use conflicts. Additionally, this offshore solution reduces reliance on critical materials needed for battery storage, positioning it as a more sustainable option for the future.
“Our engagement in the StEnSea project highlights PLEUGER’s commitment to innovation and sustainable energy solutions. With robust support from both the U.S. and German governments, we are transforming energy storage and contributing to a future where clean energy is accessible and reliable for all,” stated Sebastian Rose, Head of Engineering at Pleuger Industries.
The global potential for subsea pumped hydroelectric storage is substantial, with an estimated 7.5 terawatts and 75 terawatt-hours of net technical potential in U.S. waters alone. The technology developed in the StEnSea project could potentially double the storage capacity of onshore closed-loop systems. As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, such innovations are crucial for maintaining a stable and resilient energy supply.
Ongoing Commitment to Renewable Energy Innovation
PLEUGER’s involvement in the StEnSea project is part of a broader strategy to lead in the renewable energy sector. In 2023, the company successfully delivered equipment for the Sunrise Wind project, a major offshore wind initiative off the coast of New York, in collaboration with Nordic Flow and Ørsted. This project is expected to provide 924 MW of clean energy, powering nearly 600,000 homes with 100% renewable energy and making a significant contribution to New York’s goal of achieving a carbon-free electric grid by 2040. With additional projects in the pipeline, including East Anglia 3 and Vanguard West, PLEUGER is expanding its footprint in offshore renewable energy, showcasing the versatility and reliability of its underwater pump systems.
As PLEUGER approaches future milestones, such as the commissioning of the Sunrise Wind platform and the assembly and testing of Vanguard West, the company remains dedicated to advancing sustainable energy technologies that facilitate global energy transitions. Through continuous innovation and collaboration, PLEUGER is helping to shape a future where renewable energy is abundant, reliable, and accessible to all.
