Sizable Energy installs offshore energy storage prototype in Italy

A prototype for an innovative offshore energy storage system has been installed off the coast of Reggio Calabria, Italy, at the Natural Ocean Engineering Laboratory (NOEL). Developed for Sizable Energy, the system aims to store excess electricity from renewable sources, such as offshore wind or solar power, and return it to the grid during periods of high demand.

The technology utilizes a gravity-based method involving brine—a highly concentrated salt solution approximately 20% denser than seawater. The process uses two tanks: one on the seabed and one floating on the surface. During periods of excess energy, the brine is pumped from the seabed to the surface tank. When energy is required, the brine flows back down through pipes equipped with reversible turbines to generate electricity.

Geodis managed the engineering, lifting, transport, and installation operations for the project. This system is designed to enhance grid stability and serves as a potential alternative to conventional Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).