Monday, January 21, 2013

Belgium to Build Artificial Island for Wind Energy Storage


Island planned for North Sea, 3 km off Belgian coast

* Would be doughnut-shaped with a reservoir in the middle
 * Will take five years or more to build

BRUSSELS, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Belgium is planning to build a doughnut-shaped island in the North Sea that will store wind energy by pumping water out of a hollow in the middle, as it looks for ways to lessen its reliance on nuclear power. 
Excess energy would be used to pump water out of the centre of the island, and then the water would be let back in through turbines when demand outpaces supply.  [Reuters]

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Building an island for pump storage is a good idea for only one reason, it won't displace people from their homes; otherwise, this dog won't hunt!