A Review of Gravity Energy Storage

Ronglu Wang, Lu Zhang (), Chenyang Shi and Chunqiu Zhao
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Ronglu Wang: Department of Electrical Engineering Antomation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China
Lu Zhang: Department of Electrical Engineering Antomation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China
Chenyang Shi: Department of Electrical Engineering Antomation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China
Chunqiu Zhao: Department of Electrical Engineering Antomation, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150080, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-15

Abstract: Gravity energy storage, a technology based on gravitational potential energy conversion, offers advantages including long lifespan, environmental friendliness, and low maintenance costs, demonstrating broad application prospects in renewable energy integration and grid peak regulation. This paper reviews the technical principles, characteristics, and application progress of liquid gravity energy storage (LGES), like pumped hydro storage (PHS) and solid gravity energy storage (SGES) systems—tower-based (T-SGES), shaft-type (S-SGES), rail-mounted (R-SGES), and mountain gravity energy storage (M-SGES). PHS, the most mature technology, is widely deployed for large-scale energy storage but faces significant geographical constraints. T-SGES and R-SGES exhibit higher flexibility for diverse terrains, while S-SGES leverage abandoned mines for resource reuse. Despite advantages such as high round-trip efficiency and extended lifecycle, challenges remain in efficiency optimization, high initial investments, and land utilization. Future development of gravity energy storage will require technological innovation, intelligent dispatch systems, and policy support to enhance economic viability and accelerate commercialization.

Keywords: gravity energy storage; large-scale energy storage; technical principle; dispatch system (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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