Παράμετροι βελτιστοποίησης έργων αντλησιοταμίευσης σε περιοχές εξοφλημένων επιφανειακών ορυχείων

Πολυγένης, Ιωάννης - Ευθύμιος

Master Thesis

Author

Πολυγένης, Ιωάννης - Ευθύμιος

Date

2026

Abstract

With the ever-increasing penetration of RES in the energy system, several challenges arise, primarily related to production variability and grid stability. For the effective integration of RES, energy storage is essential, with pumped storage being one of the most mature and reliable large-scale storage technologies. The aim of this paper is to investigate the development of hybrid pumped-storage systems in depleted surface mines and to identify the parameters that affect their operational and economic performance. Initially, international examples of such applications and literature were examined, focusing on pumped storage technology and its contribution to the energy transition, the reuse of mining areas, and modern optimisation practices for such projects. To evaluate the sustainability of such projects, a case study was conducted at the Megalopolis lignite mine. The methodology was based on techno-economic analysis, scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis and multi-criteria evaluation. With the use of the above tools, the impact of critical technical, economic, and environmental parameters on the overall return on investment was investigated, while the area for the development of a hybrid pumped storage system was also evaluated. The results highlighted the examined area as quite suitable for the installation of a pumped storage system, with the already-formed infrastructure and the area's industrial use reducing many of the technical and environmental constraints. At the same time, it was shown that factors such as investment cost, energy production, the difference between electricity purchase and sale prices, slope stability, and water balance have a decisive impact on the sustainability of the project. In addition, the importance of proper design, digitalisation, and effective management of water resources for the optimal operation of these systems was emphasised. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates that utilising former open-pit mines to develop hybrid systems is a realistic energy storage solution in the context of energy transition. It also proposes a comprehensive evaluation framework that can be used to inform the design and decision-making for similar future projects.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Βιομηχανική Διοίκηση και Τεχνολογία

Department

Σχολή Ναυτιλίας και Βιομηχανίας. Tμήμα Βιομηχανικής Διοίκησης και Tεχνολογίας

Number of pages

117

Language

Greek

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/19725

Collections

Τμήμα Βιομηχανικής Διοίκησης και Τεχνολογίας

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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα