A new pilot project in Devon is testing an innovative way to store renewable energy by adapting a long-established technology. The scheme uses pumped hydro, where energy is stored by moving a liquid uphill and then releasing it through turbines to generate electricity when needed.

What makes this project different is the use of a specially developed high-density liquid instead of water. Because the liquid is much heavier, it can generate electricity over much shorter height differences. This means systems could be built on smaller hills, rather than requiring large mountainous reservoirs, opening up more potential locations.

The demonstrator site near Plymouth is already showing how this approach could work in practice. It is designed to store energy when it is plentiful, such as during windy or sunny periods, and release it later when demand is higher. This helps address one of the key challenges of renewable energy: matching supply with demand when weather conditions change.

As the UK moves away from fossil fuels, affordable and scalable energy storage solutions will be essential. Technologies like this could play a useful role in stabilising electricity supplies and reducing exposure to volatile energy prices.

This kind of innovation aligns with wider efforts to build a flexible, resilient energy system. For Devon, approaches like this could support a future where more energy is generated locally and used more efficiently, helping the county move towards its net-zero goals.

Read more at BBC.