Photo: screenshot fromNant de Drance SA
Solar and wind energy are the future.
But both of these renewable, sustainable energy sources are dependent on varying environmental conditions.
Traditional batteries require minerals that are dangerous and damaging to the Earth.
Photo: screenshot fromNant de Drance SA
An enormous Swiss water battery projectknown asNant de Dranceis at last operational.
It is a glimpse into the future of energy storage.
For the past 14 years, construction crews have been working hard to complete this ambitious project.
Aerial view of the above-ground portions of the “water battery.” (Photo: screenshot fromNant de Drance SA)
Inside, they installed powerful turbines.
After years of hard work, the systemNant de Dranceis now operational.
So, how does the water battery work?
Building the dam to create the top reservoir. (Photo: screenshot fromNant de Drance SA)
This is like charging a battery.
The water is then channeled back down, passing through the massive turbines.
They spin to harvest the stored energy.
How the water battery stores and releases energy. (Photo: screenshot fromNant de Drance SA)
Simple physics is therefore a powerful solution to the storage problems of renewable energy.
This technology has been used for centuries in Switzerland.
you could also find water batteries in other countries, like the U.S. and China.
Aerial view of the above-ground portions of the water battery.
Building the dam to create the top reservoir.
How the water battery stores and releases energy.
