Lithium dominates energy storage

Lithium has become the primary solution for energy storage in recent years, used in everything from electric vehicles to grid-scale batteries. However, researchers and companies are exploring alternative methods to address the limitations of lithium-based systems.

Gravitational storage tested in China

Gravitational storage, a method that uses heavy objects to store energy, is being tested in China. This system involves lifting concrete blocks using excess electricity and then releasing them to generate power when needed.

China’s renewable energy leadership

China is a global leader in renewable energy deployment and has implemented various storage technologies. In May 2024, it activated a unique gravitational battery in Rudong, using large concrete blocks to store and release energy efficiently.

Rudong EVx’s specifications

The Rudong EVx gravitational battery is an enormous facility, 110 meters wide and 148 meters high. It uses winches to lift concrete blocks during periods of low electricity demand and releases them to generate power when needed, with a total capacity of 100 MWh and a power output of 25 MW.

Efficiency and longevity of the system

Energy Vault, the company behind the system, claims it achieves an efficiency of 80% per cycle, similar to pumped hydro storage. It also boasts a long lifespan of up to 35 years, with minimal degradation and no risk of thermal runaway, a common issue with lithium batteries.

Lithium’s advantages and competition

Despite the benefits of gravitational storage, lithium batteries remain widely used due to their modularity and lower initial costs. This has made it challenging for newer technologies like gravitational storage to gain widespread adoption.