City skyscrapers could in future be used to house large “green batteries” in their underground foundations, according to a Scottish start-up behind an innovative new form of energy storage.
Gravitricity has developed a method of storing energy which works by raising multiple heavy weights up a deep shaft which can then be released when energy is required. Designed as an alternative to conventional battery storage systems, the technology could help balance the grid during periods of peak demand.
Gravitricity claims its system can operate for decades “without any degradation or reduction in performance”, potentially giving it an edge over some other forms of energy storage.
The 24MWh system – which comprises 24 weights of 500 tonnes – could power 63,000 homes for one hour, with a total weight equivalent to 84 blue whales, the company said.
Green-tech pioneers are preparing to install Gravitricity’s system in disused mineshafts across Europe, the firm said. But it is already looking ahead to the next stage of its deployment and is exploring the possibility of installing the technology in the foundations of new skyscrapers – thereby turning the buildings into city centre green energy storage units.
“In the early years we will install our technology in disused mineshafts as this will help keep the cost down,” said Gravitricity managing director Charlie Blair, as he unveiled the idea yesterday. “But in the future, we will be able to sink purpose-built shafts wherever they are required – and the foundations of city buildings could be ideal.
“New skyscrapers bring substantial new electricity demand, and by building storage in the heart of cities we can massively reduce the requirement for very costly and disruptive grid upgrades. At the same time, our system means that future skyscrapers could reduce their environmental footprint and help cities decarbonise their energy needs.”
Last year, the firm received £650,000 from government-backed R&D agency Innovate UK to help repurpose old mineshafts to pilot the technology. The firm has since teamed up with Dutch winch specialists Huisman to build a 250kW scale prototype of the idea.
The UK already uses gravity-based systems to store energy at a number of pumped hydro projects, which use excess grid power to pump water up hill. The water can then be released again when power is required.
In total, the energy storage market is projected to be worth $620bn globally up to 2040, according to estimates from Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
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