China is making headlines with its development of gravity-based energy storage systems, a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The news comes as the country intensifies its efforts to develop more sustainable and efficient energy storage solutions. In December 2023, Energy Vault launched its first commercial-scale gravity battery facility in Jiangsu province, connecting it to the local power grid. This facility, with a capacity of 25 MW/100 MWh, uses heavy weights that are raised and lowered to store and release energy, relying on gravitational potential. The timing of the announcement aligns with China’s growing emphasis on reducing dependence on lithium-ion technology, which is associated with environmental and supply chain concerns due to the scarcity of key minerals like lithium and cobalt. Several more gravity storage projects are already under construction, signaling China’s commitment to scaling this technology for widespread use.
Gravity batteries offer several advantages over traditional lithium-ion technology. They avoid using scarce minerals, significantly reducing environmental impact, and boast longer lifespans with minimal degradation over time. They also stabilize the energy grid by storing renewable energy when supply exceeds demand and releasing it during peak periods. However, challenges remain, including lower energy density and large infrastructure requirements. The increasing attention on gravity batteries comes amid global energy challenges and the need for sustainable solutions, pushing China to invest in this cutting-edge technology as part of its strategy to lead the clean energy transition and reshape the global energy storage landscape. More