Quidnet wants to use the Earth as a giant battery

9 months ago

Quidnet Energy successfully tested storing energy for up to six months using pressurized water underground.
The technology is a twist on traditional pumped hydro storage, storing water in impermeable rock formations instead of uphill reservoirs.
Quidnet's system showed no energy loss during the six-month test, discharging 35 megawatt-hours efficiently.
The approach could provide cheap, long-duration storage to support inconsistent renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Quidnet's technology is expected to reach a maximum efficiency of 65%, though practical designs may achieve around 50%.
The company is building a facility with turbines to convert pressurized water back into electricity, aiming for deployment in early 2026.
Quidnet's domestic content may help it qualify for federal tax credits under new supply chain restrictions.
Lithium-ion batteries remain the benchmark for cost and efficiency, but long-duration storage like Quidnet's could still be viable if cost-competitive.

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