At first glance, Pubson gigantic concrete spheres at the bottom of the ocean can generate environmental concerns. However, in Germany, this proposal is awakening interest among the scientific community and environmental organizations. The reason: These structures are not only safe, but would allow to generate and store clean energycontributing to the transformation of the global energy system.
A system that takes advantage of sea pressure
The project, called Stensea —Cronym of Stored Energy in the Sea – is promoted by the Fraunhofer IEE Institute in collaboration with the Pleuger company. He receives financial support from both the German government and private investors and has been developing more than a decade.
The beginning behind This technology is similar to that of pumping hydroelectric plants. The difference is that, instead of being located in mountains or valleys, it is installed in the seabed. There, the natural conditions of the ocean, especially the pressure at great depths, allow to replicate the storage and release of energy efficiently.
This is how underwater spheres work
Each unit consists of A nine meter wide concrete spherehollow inside, that is installed at depths of up to 800 meters. These balls are connected to the network and can operate synchronously to supply thousands of homes.
During the hours of lower energy consumption, the pumps located inside the spheres expel marine water, which consumes excess electricity. That energy is stored as potential, ready to be released when demand requires it.
This is how underwater spheres work
Each unit consists of A nine meter wide concrete spherehollow inside, that is installed at depths of up to 800 meters. These balls are connected to the network and can operate synchronously to supply thousands of homes.
During the hours of lower energy consumption, the pumps located inside the spheres expel marine water, which consumes excess electricity. That energy is stored as potential, ready to be released when demand requires it.
By increasing consumption, lAs valves open and sea water enters great pressure inside the spheres. This water input acts internal turbines, generating energy immediately. The system thus converts the background of the ocean into a kind of natural battery.
Environmental impact and durability
One of the outstanding characteristics of the project is its sustainability. The spheres are built with materials that do not pollute the environment, and their operation does not imply the emission of gases, waste production or involvement to marine fauna.
Each of these spheres can operate for approximately six decades and store up to 820,000 Gigawatts-Hora of Energy, their developers pointed out, who consider that this figure represents a relevant alternative compared to other forms of energy storage.
Applications beyond sea
Although the design was designed for the ocean, the concept can adapt to other aquatic environments. According to Stesea’s drivers, these spheres could also be installed in deep lakes, whether natural or artificial. Similarly, the System is compatible with renewable sources such as wind or solar energy, expanding its possibilities of use.
This level of adaptability makes the model a viable option for different geographical contexts, especially in countries that have significant bodies of water but lack flexible energy infrastructure.
First tests in the United States
Currently, various points of the planet are evaluated for installation. The coasts of Norway, Portugal, Brazil, Japan and the United States appear as ideal candidates for its depth and technical conditions.
In particular, the first units are expected to be submerged before 2026 in the waters of Long Beach, California. This stage represents a crucial step to validate the system in real environments and move towards mass implementation.
A path to renewable storage
Energy storage is one of the main challenges of renewable sources. Projects such as Stensea offer a solution that relies on the physical principles of the natural environment and avoids depending on pollutant or expensive technologies.
The possibility of having a network of connected underwater spheres, capable of operating stable for decades, represents a long -term bet for energy security without compromising the environment.
As countries advance in their decarbonization goals, this technology could find applications in different latitudes. From coastal areas to regions with deep lakes, The system promises to be a useful tool to balance energy supply and demand.
With a proven, adaptable and low impact system, the German proposal could be taken into account in future public policies on clean energy. In a scenario where the stability of the supply is key, this initiative underlines the role of innovation in the construction of a more resilient energy model.
*This content was rewritten with the assistance of an artificial intelligence, based on the information published by El Comercio (GDA), and had the review of the journalist and an editor.