Sage Geosystems, headquartered in Houston, is embarking on an ambitious mission at Fort Bliss in El Paso. Awarded a government contract, Sage aims to create a groundbreaking subterranean power storage system. This innovative setup will allow intermittent renewable energy from solar and wind sources to be stored and discharged for 12 hours or more.
Sage’s approach involves drilling deep into the ground, creating fractures that serve as reservoirs for water storage. When excess renewable electricity is available, water is pumped downward, effectively turning the underground water into an energy battery. When needed, a valve opens, and subsurface pressure propels the water upward, driving turbines to generate electricity.
Fort Bliss envisions 18 wells providing steady power—enough for 10,000 homes. Sage’s work aligns with the Army’s sustainability plan, which includes carbon-pollution-free electricity, hybrid tactical vehicles, and microgrids on every base. Geothermal energy, often dubbed a “million-year energy source,” has the potential to revolutionize our energy system, benefiting communities and contributing to a safer, cleaner, and more affordable future.
