About the visit
Xerotech recently undertook a trip to Switzerland to visit the SubSpace Energy Hub in the Hagerbach Test Gallery, meeting with Aurora Puriqi, Business Development Manager with the SubSpace Energy Hub and Michael Kompatscher, General Manager of The Hagerbach Test Gallery.
The purpose of the visit was to explore the potential for underground mining electrification and to collaborate with other companies and thought leaders in this field.
As one of several international partner organisations, Xerotech hopes to utilize the unique location of the SubSpace Energy Hub for the development and testing of underground energy storage solutions.
Research has shown that the electrification of the underground mining industry could greatly improve efficiency and emissions targets, with far-ranging benefits possible for the industry. Energy efficiency can be increased through reduced ventilation and cooling requirements, while electrification would also lead to fewer harmful emissions during the mining process as just two examples of benefits. Electric versions of these heavy industry vehicles can also achieve up to 2x ramp speeds, 25% increase in load times, and 60% faster acceleration. Indeed, these mobile machinery account for up to 55% of a mine’s total CO2 emissions, making the reduction or elimination of diesel engines a necessary and sustainable step forward. This is where the unique test-bed of the SubSpace Energy Hub at the Hagerbach Test Gallery comes into it’s own.
During the visit, Xerotech identified key underground areas suitable for battery technology research and development, conducted discussions on future collaborations and events with industry thought leaders. The visit culminated with the placement of the Xerotech logo on the partner’s wall near the main entrance to the mine.
This facility provides an ideal platform for Xerotech to continue pushing the boundaries of next-generation battery technology and to break the limitations of Non-Road Mobile Machinery electrification and battery safety. This will greatly benefit customers who are seeking ways to electrify vehicles that were previously thought to be too large or difficult to convert to electric, in conditions that were thought to be unsuitable for battery electrification.
About the SubSpace Energy Hub
The new SUBSPACE ENERGY HUB at VSH (VersuchsStollen Hagerbach AG / Hagerbach Test Gallery Ltd) in Switzerland offers the ideal platform for the harmonized development, prototyping and installation of new technologies that promote best practice in sustainable energy use and storage, combining both above and underground facilities to benefit our society. This will be a model ecosystem of sustainable energy storage and delivery, above and below ground, and how it supports green energy use in future cities.
Together with the partners, VSH will be transformed into a visionary sustainable and CO2 neutral underground infrastructure where construction and operation of underground space usage will be developed, prototyped, and launched, including alternative energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, advanced energy storage systems and built using environmentally friendly electric driven equipment, coupled with low carbon subspace design, materials and component choices.
During the development of the model ecosystem at Hagerbach, the partners have already started and will continue to form specific workstreams focusing on establishing new benchmarks in various areas of technology, and through these workstreams partners have developed close industry networks sharing ideas, coupled with rapid development of their own knowledge.
About the Hagerbach Test Gallery
The Hagerbach Test Gallery is a must-see destination for anyone interested in engineering and technology. Located in the Swiss town of Hagerbach, the gallery offers a unique look at the history and future of testing and innovation.
Founded in the early 1900s, the Hagerbach Test Gallery was originally used to test the strength and durability of materials and structures. Over the years, the facility has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, and today it is a state-of-the-art testing center that is used by engineers and researchers from around the world.
