The USA and Germany grant funding for underwater energy storage based on 3D printing technology

The startup Sperra, specializing in the use of 3D printing for marine energy projects, has received financial support from the US government to develop its underwater energy storage technology using hydrostatic systems (PHES).

Innovative Deep-Sea Solution

The technology developed by Sperra is based on the Stored Energy in the Sea (StEnSea) concept, created by the German research institute Fraunhofer IEE. The system stores energy using concrete spheres placed at depths of 600 to 800 meters, where high-pressure water can serve as a natural energy storage. This solution offers high storage capacity and low operational costs.

Unlike traditional hydroelectric energy storage systems, which require two water reservoirs at different heights, underwater storage systems do not face terrain limitations. Thanks to 3D printing, constructing these systems can be much faster and cheaper, opening up the potential for large-scale deployment.

International Cooperation and Government Support

The company announced last week that it had received a $4 million grant from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to design, build, and conduct tests on a demonstration installation with a capacity of 500 kW and 600 kWh off the coast of Southern California.

In addition to US government support, Sperra has also received funding from Germany. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) awarded €3.4 million for the development of underwater turbines and pumps in collaboration with Fraunhofer IEE and the company Pleuger, which specializes in submersible pumps. This partnership aims to accelerate the development of underwater PHES systems, which could be particularly useful in combination with offshore wind farms.

With the support of both governments and advanced 3D printing technology, Sperra’s project may contribute to the development of large-scale energy storage solutions, which are crucial for stabilizing the grid in light of the rapid growth of the renewable energy sector in both the US and Europe. Both countries see this technological breakthrough as an opportunity to enhance energy security and revolutionize the energy storage sector, eliminating the need to find suitable terrain conditions.

Source: energy-storage.news