Can gravity energy storage be applied to the ocean?

In recent years, gravity energy storage (GES) technology has attracted widespread attention. To apply this new type of energy storage technology to the ocean, this paper proposes a novel offshore GES support structure based on the foundation of wind turbine jacket structures, according to the structural characteristics of the new GES system.

What is gravity energy storage?

Gravity energy storage (GES) technology relies on the vertical movement of heavy objects in the gravity field to store or release potential energy which can be easily coupled to electricity conversion. GES can be matched with renewable energy such as photovoltaic and wind power.

Can energy storage systems be deployed offshore?

The present work reviews energy storage systems with a potential for offshore environments and discusses the opportunities for their deployment. The capabilities of the storage solutions are examined and mapped based on the available literature. Selected technologies with the largest potential for offshore deployment are thoroughly analysed.

Are deep ocean gravitational energy storage technologies useful?

The paper shows that deep ocean gravitational energy storage technologies are particularly interesting for storing energy for offshore wind power, on coasts and islands without mountains, and as an effective approach for compressing hydrogen.

Is there an underwater gravity energy storage system?

Currently, no commercial-scale underwater gravity energy storage systems have been developed. While some theoretical work and small lab-scale experiments have been conducted, such as by Alami et al. using conical-shaped buoys, no large-scale systems exist.

Is a new gravitational energy storage system based on wind turbine jacket structures?

This article proposes a novel offshore gravitational energy storage technology scheme, based on the foundation of wind turbine jacket structures, integrating a new gravitational energy storage system to form an integrated "wind power + storage" structure, as illustrated in Figure 1.