A STUDY EXPLORING THE MINE POOL PUMPED STORAGE POTENTIAL OF WEST VIRGINIA COAL MINES

In 2020, the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey (WVGES) examined the underground coal mines in West Virginia in order to determine the potential for mine pool pumped storage. Pumped storage is a method of energy production using two reservoirs at different elevations. Water is pumped from the lower reservoir into the upper reservoir. Turbines then generate electricity as the water flows back into the lower reservoir. Potential coal mine pumped storage facilities would consist of one retrofit flooded underground mine below either a retrofit dry mine or a valley reservoir. The pumped storage potential of each mine, including both the flooded lower mines and their overlying dry mines, was evaluated using: estimated storage capacity, location relative to the water table, vertical separation between both mines and the surface, dip direction, type of mining, geologic hazards, mining hazards, acid production, age of the mining, and proximity to other mines, outcrops, and surface features. The reservoir potential of valleys above flooded mines was evaluated based on the size and proximity in relation to public land, towns, industry, and power lines. Despite the study identifying 13 potential mine pool pumped storage locations in southern West Virginia, none of the 13 meet all of the established criteria. While the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey does not encourage mine pool pumped storage using West Virginia coal mines, these mines may be better suited for geothermal heating and cooling. In fact, initial efforts have begun on installing the first mine pool geothermal HVAC system in southern West Virginia.