First in-person HYDROMINE meeting

On November 6, 2025, the first in-person consortium meeting took place at the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology in Poland. Following a warm welcome, the agenda included a presentation of the latest project results and a discussion on the topic.

In WP1, potential sites for pumped hydroelectric storages (PHS) were presented in Poland (WUST), Germany (Fraunhofer IWU), Romania (UP), Greece (TUC), and the Czech Republic (VUHU). The participating partners also discussed the site-specific conditions regarding the size and location of potential reservoirs, existing infrastructure and power grids, as well as energy demand in the region.

For WP2, the partners primarily discussed the identification and provision of the necessary geotechnical parameters for potential locations of the small PHS.

The initial design and flow concepts for PHS were presented in WP3. The focus here was primarily on the different designs for pumps and turbines. The most reasonable construction, considering economic aspects, that can be used for PHS in small and medium size scale is the pump operating in reversible mode as a turbine - PAT (pump as turbine). The technical challenge in this case is to achieve high efficiency in both operating modes.

To select a suitable material for the piping system, initial extrusion tests were conducted in WP4 using three potential candidates. The results were presented to the consortium for the first time. The comprehensive quality comparison of the different materials is also still in progress. Furthermore, for the final material selection, factors such as the terrain profile and environmental conditions, the pipe route and installation, as well as flow rate and water quality at the demonstration site must be clarified.

After the meeting, all project partners visited the HYDROPOLIS Science Center, which focuses on the topic of water. The center places particular emphasis on the importance of water for people and the environment, as well as the history of human interaction with water.

The meeting was rounded off by a joint consortium dinner at a traditional restaurant in the centre of Wroclaw, organised by the host of the meeting, the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology (WUST).