Future Gravity Energy Storage System in the UK

Could a gravity-powered energy storage system transform Europe's deepest mines?

The fledgling company is set to transform one of Europe's deepest mines into an energy storage system powered by gravity.

Are gravity-based energy storage systems a viable alternative to lithium-ion battery storage?

Gravity-based energy storage systems have been attempted in various forms. They are considered feasible alternatives for lithium-ion battery storage systems. Interesting Engineering has previously reported how a gravity-based energy storage project in Switzerland took 14 years to build and can power 900,000 homes.

When will a multi-weight gravity energy store be built?

“The feasibility project will complete in late 2022 and will provide the information required to commence the build of the full-scale commercial prototype multi-weight gravity energy store immediately thereafter, subject to securing planning permission and the necessary funds,” the company said in a statement.

Can gravity be used for energy storage?

Gravitricity isn’t the only one harnessing gravity for energy storage. Swiss startup Energy Vault has secured a healthy $280mn in VC funding to develop its system, which comprises a huge building full of elevators that lift and lower massive concrete blocks.

Are energy storage technologies a new technology?

Energy expert Hannah Chalmers, from the University of Edinburgh, said: "Energy storage technologies are quite new for our electricity system. We've not needed them so much in the past because conventional power plants have tended to come with storage in-built.

How long can a gravity system operate without a battery?

Unlike batteries, a gravity system like Gravitricity can operate for decades without any reduction in performance. Gravitricity has already proven the system with a scale demonstrator and is exploring the potential to deploy their groundbreaking technology in decommissioned mines worldwide.