Gottlieb Paludan Architects has created the visionary project Green Power Island. The project consists of proposals for artificial energy islands that produce, store and distribute green energy. The islands will act as catalysts for a full-blown transition into a green energy paradigm, by offering an innovative and international approach to large-scale energy storage - an element often referred to as the "missing link", in connection with the transition to a fossil-free society.

The demand for renewable energy rarely matches the production level precisely over time. For this reason, renewable sources of energy cannot yet fully replace conventional power plants. Green Power Island proposes a method for storing renewable energy whenever the amount of energy generated exceeds the actual demand. The artificial energy islands are constructed with deep basins. When there is surplus energy in the system, the water is pumped out of the basin. When the energy is needed later on, the seawater is led back into the basin through turbines, thus regenerating 75% of the electricity.The islands, therefore, act as large green energy batteries.

The basin, which is never emptied completely, can be used for aquaculture, either to raise foodstuffs (mussels or algae) or cultivate algae for use in biomass facilities or for animal fodder. Depending on the size and location, the energy storage function can be combined with a number of synergetic purposes and the islands can .

Depending on the size and location, the energy storage function can be combined with a wide range of synergistic purposes. Consequently, the islands can, among other things, act as 'energy hubs' in larger, integrated energy systems.

The project is developed in collaboration with Risø DTU and a number of locally adapted design proposals have been created, all of which are located in low-lying coastal areas, including Bahrain, Florida, Eastern China, South India and Denmark.

Read more: www.greenpowerisland.dk

Visualizations: Gottlieb Paludan Architects