The GrEnMine consortium met in Petroșani, Romania, for a project progress meeting hosted by the University of Petroșani. The meeting brought together project partners to discuss the development of gravitational energy storage technologies and their potential role in the transformation of post-mining regions.
Petroșani offered a particularly meaningful setting for the discussion. As a city shaped by mining heritage, it provided a strong context for one of the central ideas behind GrEnMine: former mining areas should not be seen only as landscapes of the past, but also as places where new energy infrastructure can emerge.
During the meeting, consortium partners reviewed the progress of key project activities, including technology evaluation, system design, geotechnical assessment, socio-economic analysis, communication, exploitation potential and future implementation pathways.
Prof. Maria Lazar, Vice-Rector of the University of Petroșani, presented analyses and evaluations related to gravitational energy storage technologies. Project Leader Prof. Przemysław Moczko led consortium discussions on the further development of GrEnMine and the next stages of project implementation. Prof. Marek Cała presented progress within WP2, focused on the geotechnical evaluation of possible locations for gravitational energy storage technology.
The meeting also included discussions on socio-economic aspects of post-mining transformation, with contributions from Prof. Michael Galetakis and Prof. Anna Ostręga. Michał Twardosz presented the project’s communication progress, including external visibility, media interest and the growing relevance of GrEnMine for stakeholders beyond the consortium.
An additional value of the meeting was the opportunity to exchange perspectives with representatives of the MidSafe project. This dialogue supported broader reflection on energy transition, mining regions and the future use of industrial sites.
The consortium also discussed upcoming milestones, coordination activities and next steps for the Steering Committee. The visit to the Mining Museum in Petroșani further connected the project’s technical work with the industrial heritage of the region.
GrEnMine is developing gravitational energy storage concepts designed for post-mining areas. By using elevation differences, existing industrial knowledge and the physical principle of gravity, the project explores how former mining sites can become part of a more flexible, stable and sustainable energy system.
The meeting in Petroșani confirmed that GrEnMine is not only a technological research project. It is also a conversation about the future of post-mining regions, energy infrastructure and the role of European cooperation in creating new pathways for the energy transition.
We would like to thank the University of Petroșani and the team led by Prof. Maria Lazar for hosting the meeting and supporting a productive exchange between project partners.
