Mine-NRG: Generating Renewable Energy and Recovering Water from Underground Mines
Mine-NRG, Inc. (Mining for Energy)™ has developed a patented method of generating renewable electricity and recovering water by re-utilizing existing underground mines. Using the earth’s natural geothermal heat, the Mine-NRG solution turns an environmental liability into a sustainable asset by addressing the world’s most critical needs; energy, water and food.
The principle of a mine energy system is similar to that of a solar updraft tower, one major difference being that in a mine energy system geothermal energy is used to heat the working fluid air, whereas in a solar updraft tower (also known as 'solar chimney') solar energy is used. Another major difference is the fact that for solar updraft tower systems large stacks have to be built, whereas the mine energy system targets at using existing abandoned mines.
Schlaich Bergermann Solar, Stuttgart, Germany - Mine-NRG Preliminary Report