A battery to catch the wind

Offshore electricity to be ‘stored’ in energy island

How can offshore wind generation still deliver on wind-free days? The answer, according to a group of Dutch businesses led by energy consulting firm KEMA, is a battery in the form of a man-made island close to four miles long and 2.5 miles across.

Energy Island would be constructed between 15 and 20 miles off the Dutch coast and would form a sea wall ring holding water back from a centre that would be dug down to 40 metres below sea level. Water would be allowed to flow in to drive turbines, producing power. It could then be pumped out using wind energy once the wind turbines turned again.

Spokesman Rolf van Stenus says Energy Island could be a model for other wind-rich maritime nations like the UK. As well as producing energy, the island could also serve as a gas terminal, fish farm or holiday destination, he says.

KEMA and its partner Lievense, an engineering consultancy, are now in discussion with the Dutch government and utilities about a full feasibility study, which would identify a North Sea location for the £2.5 billion island.
– Julian Rollins

27 January 2009

Julian Rollins

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