Is gravity energy storage an attractive energy storage option?

Interest in energy storage systems has been increased with the growing penetration of variable renewable energy sources. This paper discusses a detailed economic analysis of an attractive gravitational potential energy storage option, known as gravity energy storage (GES).

What is gravity energy storage technology?

Fig. 1. Classification of energy storage technologies. Gravity energy storage technology (GES) depends on the vertical movement of a heavy object in a gravitational field to store or release electricity.

Do different sized gravity energy storage systems improve economic performance?

To investigate the economic performance of differently sized gravity energy storage systems, a wind farm with a number of gravity energy storage units has been used. The principle of economies of scale has been applied resulting in a cost reduction for large scale systems.

How does gravity energy storage work?

Gravity energy storage is a system that stores electricity in the form of gravitational potential energy. This work presents an approach to size this technology both technically and economically. An economic analysis is performed to determine the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for this technology. The results are then compared to other storage alternatives.

Can gravity energy storage solve the problem of new energy consumption?

The bi-directional charging and discharging functionality of energy storage systems can effectively solve the problem of new energy consumption. Gravity energy storage (GES) is a kind of physical energy storage technology that is environmentally friendly and economically competitive.

Does gravity energy storage provide a low LCOE?

Gravity energy storage delivers a low LCOE. However, the high share of intermittent renewable energy sources can disrupt the reliability and proper operation of the electric grid. Power systems are now facing new transformation challenges with high cost requirements to secure the energy supply.