Applicability of Gravity Energy Storage Facilities and Analysis of Associated Renewable Energy Generation Potential for Abandoned Mines in North Korea

The abandoned mines in North Korea pose substantial environmental threats. When converted into gravity energy storage (GES) facilities, mining pollution can be reduced, local welfare can be improved, and the possibility of military exploitation can be lowered. This study evaluated the conversion of these mines, using the sites and surrounding materials as the weights. Integrating this system with renewable energy sources, the intermittency challenges of renewable energy were addressed, while promoting ecofriendliness and energy independence. Geographic information systems (GIS) analysis was employed to assess the solar and wind energy generation capacity in adjacent areas. The potential energy capacity of GES facilities, planned for installation across 212 North Korea mines, is estimated at 7.3 MWh, with an average annual potential of 1,098 MWh for wind power and 178 MWh for solar power. These findings underscore the potential gains by repurposing North Korea's abandoned mines for energy storage and renewable energy generation.