Green Gravity, a leading innovator in gravitational energy storage technologies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TEXMiN, The Technology Translation Research Park, DST, GoI established at Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, to explore the potential of deploying gravitational energy storage systems in India’s vast network of underground mines.
This collaboration will combine Green Gravity’s expertise in renewable energy storage innovation with IIT(ISM)’s renowned mining and engineering capabilities, complemented by the technology & sustainability mandates of TEXMiN, to conduct comprehensive site assessments, technology validation, and design adaptations tailored to the Indian context. Together, the parties will identify suitable sites, evaluate their technical readiness, and pioneer low-cost methods for preparing shafts for repurposing.
The partnership will initially focus on evaluating two disused coal mine shafts in West Bengal, including desktop studies and on-site investigations of shaft integrity, hydrology, gas safety, and grid connectivity. These assessments will directly inform the technical and economic feasibility of retrofitting shafts for long-duration gravitational storage.
Beyond the initial studies, the collaboration will also explore:
- New measurement techniques to assess shaft condition at a low cost.
- Shaft preparation innovations, such as reinforcement, dewatering, and liner treatments.
- The feasibility of modifying shafts to support larger-scale storage.
- Ranking of the most promising mine sites across India for deployment.
- A review of regulatory and approvals pathways to convert legacy mining assets into clean energy hubs.
- Exploration of other sustainable uses for redundant mining land.
The MoU builds on Green Gravity’s recent announcement of its first demonstration site at the Russell Vale mine in the Illawarra, south of Sydney, Australia. The Russell Vale mine, majority-owned by Indian-headquartered Jindal Steel and Power Limited through Wollongong Resources, will showcase Green Gravity’s technology at scale, providing valuable lessons that can be applied globally.
This collaboration is expected to make a significant contribution to India’s energy transition and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, while also creating opportunities to repurpose mining infrastructure for the benefit of the community and the economy.
“India’s mining legacy provides an unparalleled opportunity to repurpose existing underground assets for the clean energy transition. Through this partnership with TEXMiN – IIT(ISM), we are excited to introduce cutting-edge gravitational energy storage technology into the Indian context, helping to deliver low-cost, long-duration energy storage at scale. Our demonstration activities in Australia demonstrate that this technology can transform mines into future-focused, clean energy assets. With TEXMiN – IIT(ISM), we will rigorously test and adapt these solutions for India’s unique geology, regulatory environment, and energy needs.” said Mark Swinnerton, Founder and CEO of Green Gravity.
“Green Gravity has previously announced a feasibility assessment for the commercial deployment of the technology at more than 75 mineshafts. With a current deployment pipeline of 10 Gigawatt-hours (10 GWh), Green Gravity is well positioned to deliver significant impact to the clean energy transition.” he added.
“IIT(ISM) has a proud history of supporting the mining sector in India, and TEXMiN, as a Mining Technology Translation Research Park enshrined by DST, GoI, we are delighted to partner with Green Gravity on this important initiative. By combining our deep expertise in mining engineering and sustainability with Green Gravity’s innovative energy storage solutions, we aim to build a framework for sustainable mine repurposing. This collaboration will not only accelerate India’s clean energy ambitions but also create new models for how mining regions can contribute to a renewable future.” commented Prof. Dheeraj Kumar, Project Director, TEXMiN and Deputy Director of IIT(ISM) Dhanbad.