The transition from conventional (predominantly fossil-based) energy sources to renewable energy presents a major challenge for the energy sector: how to ensure continuous and adequate supply, given that most renewable sources are intermittent and do not provide constant or sufficient output. As a result, energy storage is a vital component of green energy systems.
Electricity can be stored in various ways. Currently, the most extensively studied types include chemical, electrochemical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical energy storage. Among these, mechanical energy storage is directly linked to the geosphere and hydrosphere, where geological and geotechnical disciplines play a central role.
Between 2015 and 2016, Geoinženiring participated in the European project ESTMAP – Energy Storage Mapping and Planning (Horizon 2020 program). The project’s aim was to support the long-term planning and optimization of future energy systems. The key objective was the development of a European energy and energy storage database, which enables energy policy planners at both EU and national levels to test different scenarios and conduct system analyses. More information about the project is available at http://www.estmap.eu/.
The project brought together leading research and consulting institutions in Europe, including EuroGeoSurveys and ENeRG (European Network for Research in Geo-Energy), both of which made significant contributions in terms of baseline data and broad geographic coverage.
Due to its geographical location and geological structure, Slovenia has promising potential for the development of decentralized energy storage systems. These systems can help ensure sustainable, stable, and secure energy supply for both its population and economy.