2023-09-21 08:30:00
Renewable energies are increasingly gaining ground as an alternative to fossil fuels. However, to fully realize its potential, we must not only generate energy from sources such as wind or solar, but also be able to store it efficiently. Throughout history, ingenious solutions have emerged, such as giant cranes, massive sand deposits or large dams with reversible pumping systems. But what about the idea of ”giant piles” in the form of buildings?
Energy Vault, a Swiss company, is exploring new ways to store energy. Among its most notable innovations are gravity energy storage systems (GESS), known as EVx, which resemble enormous buildings packed with concrete blocks.
How does it work? The idea behind Energy Vault is to harness both gravity and kinetic energy through a system of automated weights. When surplus energy is produced, for example from a wind farm, the Energy Vault mechanism uses that energy to power a mechanical crane that lifts special blocks to great heights. These blocks remain suspended until the energy needs to be recovered. At that moment, the blocks descend, activating a system of cables and turbines that generates electricity.
China leads the way. These EVx systems have been integrated in China, where Energy Vault has announced the start of the first phases of a large-scale gravity energy storage system called EVx™. This system is located near Shanghai in Rudong, China, and is located next to a wind farm and power grid. It has a capacity of 25 MW / 100 MWh, and its implementation is underway. In June, testing of power electronics and belt lifting systems began. The system is expected to be fully connected to the electrical grid in the fourth quarter of the year.
Leading efficiency. The previous crane system installed by Energy Vault in Switzerland in 2020 had a capacity of 5 MW and an efficiency of 75%. The new EVx promises to be even more efficient, with an estimated efficiency of 80%. According to the manufacturer, this will make their solution a leader in energy storage efficiency compared to other forms of mechanical, thermodynamic processes, compressed air or flow battery systems.
More projects on the way. In addition to the current project, Energy Vault plans to build another identical EVx system with a capacity of 100 MWh in Huailai, Hebei Province, China. This effort seeks to consolidate this unique energy storage technology. However, it remains to be seen whether Energy Vault’s solutions will deliver on their promises and become a critical part of the future of energy storage.
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