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A Review of Gravity Energy Storage

Author

Listed:
  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ronglu Wang & Lu Zhang & Chenyang Shi & Chunqiu Zhao, 2025. "A Review of Gravity Energy Storage," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:7:p:1812-:d:1627609
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Zhang, Xingjin & Patelli, Edoardo & Zhou, Ye & Chen, Diyi & Lian, Jijian & Xu, Beibei, 2025. "Enhancing the economic efficiency of cross-regional renewable energy trading via optimizing pumped hydro storage capacity," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
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    4. Tong, Wenxuan & Lu, Zhengang & Chen, Yanbo & Zhao, Guoliang & Hunt, Julian David & Xu, Guizhi, 2025. "Enhancing modular gravity energy storage plants: A hybrid strategy for optimal unit capacity configuration," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 378(PA).
    5. Ji, Weiming & Hong, Feng & Zhao, Yuzheng & Liang, Lu & Du, Hao & Hao, Junhong & Fang, Fang & Liu, Jizhen, 2024. "Applications of flywheel energy storage system on load frequency regulation combined with various power generations: A review," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Hassan, Muhammed A. & Araji, Mohamad T., 2025. "Building geometry-aware lifecycle optimization of hybrid renewable energy systems with solid gravity storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 402(PA).
    2. Peter Sevcik & Jan Sumsky & Tomas Baca & Andrej Tupy, 2025. "Self-Sustaining Operations with Energy Harvesting Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-42, August.
    3. Wang, Xixi & Yang, Haitao & Li, Xingbin & Deng, Zhigan & Fu, Guohui & Wu, Qianfeng & Zhi, Hui, 2025. "Gravitational energy storage: Media taxonomy, efficiency factors, comparison and selection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 395(C).

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