Sage Geosystems Inc., a pioneering geothermal baseload and energy storage company headquartered in Houston, has recently announced the highly successful results of its full-scale commercial pilot for its innovative energy storage system, named EarthStore. This exciting breakthrough confirms not only the exceptional performance of Sage’s technology but also its cost-competitiveness when compared to other prominent energy storage solutions.

Short- and Long-Duration Storage: Extensive data analysis and field results obtained between 2022 and 2023 have unequivocally demonstrated that Sage’s EarthStore system is capable of providing a commendable storage capacity of 18 hours or more. This is instrumental in generating baseload energy continuously throughout the day, effectively complementing solar or wind power generation. The system has also demonstrated its ability to deliver high-powered, short-duration energy during periods of peak demand. These capabilities contribute significantly to enhancing grid reliability and stability while maximizing power output. In addition, the utilization of heat from the formation in the process enhances round trip efficiency (RTE).

To collect the necessary data sets, Sage conducted tests by pumping water into their well and subsequently flowing it back to ascertain capacity and power duration. Importantly, these operations did not result in any induced seismicity.

Geographical and Technological Versatility: One of the most remarkable features of Sage’s energy storage system is its adaptability and scalability. It is not geographically restricted and can be seamlessly integrated into newly drilled wells as well as existing oil and gas wells. The system’s ability to provide storage for both short- and long-durations enables the optimal timing of energy flows, efficiently moving excess energy from low-demand periods to high-demand periods.

Cost-Competitive Levelized Cost of Storage (LCOS): The significance of Sage’s achievement is further highlighted by the results indicating that their energy storage is cost-competitive based on the LCOS metrics. Sage’s storage system offers power storage at a lower cost than lithium-ion battery storage and traditional pumped storage hydro. Moreover, it rivals the cost efficiency of natural gas peaker plants, presenting a cleaner alternative for ancillary services, black start services, and the redistribution of curtailed energy during peak demand periods.

Summary of Commercial Pilot Results:
– EarthStore provided continuous power generation of 200 kW for over 18 hours (long-duration) and 1 MW for 30 minutes (load-following).
– The system showcased remarkable subsurface system efficiencies between 88% and 94%, with an estimated round-trip efficiency (RTE) of 70% to 75%.
– The utilization of heat from the formation facilitated the expansion of the downhole fluid, thereby improving RTE.
– Fluid losses during the pilot period were impressively measured at less than 2%, decreasing to 1% by the end of the 5-week testing period.
– The capability to generate a net output of 2-3 MW within a single well was successfully demonstrated.
– The calculated LCOS positions Sage’s storage system as a cost-competitive solution against pumped storage hydropower and lithium-ion batteries.

Sage Geosystems’ stunning results from their energy storage system pilot demonstrate a substantial leap forward in the pursuit of reliable and sustainable energy solutions. With the promise of extended storage capabilities and remarkable cost competitiveness, Sage Geosystems is positioned to revolutionize the landscape of energy storage.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this research report is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. The energy market is highly volatile, and readers should conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions.