Solar panels and hydraulic storage work together to give clean energy to rural and remote areas 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Hydraulic Battery is an innovative hydraulic storage solution made by STEPSol. It is based on the principle of Pumped-storage Hydropower (PSH), or STEP in French, but it is smaller (less than 1MW), works outside of waterways, and is connected to a solar plant. During the day, solar panels power a village and a pump that moves water from a lower tank to a higher tank (a 50-meter drop). When it gets dark or when there is too much demand for electricity, the water goes down and turns on a turbine, which makes electricity to make up for the sun’s absence. This innovative, yet simple, solution can be used by locals, who can take care of its maintenance and help with civil works. STEPSol’s offer is based on energy flexibility and making sure that its micro PHS is always adjusted to the conditions of each site. The Hydraulic Battery is a great choice for places that aren’t connected to the power grid because it has a low-tech design and a long life.
Positive facts about Hydraulic Battery (micro PHS)
Electricity generation 24/7 thanks to solar production and water storage
A PHS totally reduced in size: Power up to 1MW and basins up to 10.000m3
Lifespan of more than 25 years + Up to 70% of efficiency
0% Water lost, 0% chemical pollution risks
Using a Diesel production : 0,35lt of fuel to produce 1kWh of electricity // Using STEPSols solution: no fuel consumption,
Payback period of the investment between 4 to 10 years
Cheaper than diesel solutions LCOE : 150-250$/MWh (vs. diesel LCOE : 300-600$/MWh, source Lazard)
A resilient and improved electrical service (fuel independent) with positive impact on local economic activities
Video about Hydraulic Battery (micro PHS)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/sIuzsryMkMQ
Hydraulic Battery (micro PHS) website : https://stepsol-energy.com/index.php/en/home/
