RIVER CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS LLC — Department of Energy SBIR Phase I: C56-14b

Description

Pumped storage hydropower (PSH) stands alone as the only commercially proven technology available for grid-scale and long-duration energy storage. It is a versatile and cost-effective solution for energy storage that supports the integration of renewable energy sources, improves grid stability, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. At PSH reservoirs, water is pumped and released to store and produce energy. In the process the flow of water in and out of the reservoir can erode the reservoir embankments and lead to the degradation of the slope’s stability resulting in structural, sedimentation, and storage capacity concerns. Other concerns for PSH reservoir storage include seepage, evaporation, public and dam safety. The Department of Energy Water Power Technologies Office has identified opportunities to leverage advanced manufacturing of materials to enable and improve the performance and benefit of these facilities. In this SBIR submission, River Connectivity Solutions describes a method to introduce conductive composite geosynthetic technology to enhance the safety, operations, and economic opportunity of PSH facilities. The development of these technologies and structures will provide stakeholders here in the United States and around the world a method to create clean, green energy, meet biological performance requirements, reduce their costs, improve their operations, and provide public safety and physical security.