Green energy production using a hydro-generator in an underground mine water pumping station – case study

The paper analyses the experience of almost one year of production of “green” electricity by a hydro-generator using a constant water drop in the pits of mine water pumping stations. The main technical, economic and environmental parameters obtained by the applied technical and organisational system are presented. Equipping the mine water pumping station with a hydro-generator proved to be a good investment. The investment offers a relatively low risk with a relatively low initial outlay and a relatively short payback period of about 4 years. The innovative use of typical but modern elements in an atypical operating environment has not been used in Polish mines before. The use of a hydro-generator enables diversification of the energy supply sources of the pumping station, adding the possibility of acquiring renewable energy.