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Sustainability report 19/20

„Underground Sun Conversion – Flexible Storage“

The international USC-FlexStore project is aimed at developing a seasonal, high-volume conversion and storage solution for erratic renewable generation.

The aim of the project is to take RAG Austria AG’s patented Underground Sun Conversion (USC) technology, which involves methanation of CO2 and eco-friendly H2, to the next level, and to design services based on it which could be rolled out to other parts of the world. Field tests are being carried out at RAG’s research facility in Pilsbach, Upper Austria.

In comparison with pumped storage and batteries, USC-FlexStore offers significantly greater flexibility and much higher injection and withdrawal capacities.

The project has been awarded funding by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), and is scheduled to last for 2.5 years.