Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A gravity-powered energy storage tower rises as a bold, architectural statement about the future of renewable infrastructure.SnyderToday

A gravity-based energy storage system in Rudong, China, is using heavy concrete blocks lifted by surplus wind and solar power to store energy. When demand spikes, the blocks descend, spinning generators to feed electricity back into the grid. This architectural approach to energy storage is seen as a way to make resilience a civic amenity rather than a technical abstraction.

Why it matters

The gravity battery system provides long-duration energy storage to complement intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar. Its visible, legible infrastructure could help improve public perception and political support for large-scale energy storage, which is crucial for transitioning to renewable-heavy grids.

The details

The Rudong gravity battery tower stands 148 meters tall and can store 100 MWh of energy, delivering up to 25 MW for roughly four hours. The system uses 35-ton concrete blocks lifted by surplus renewable power, and when demand increases, the blocks descend to spin generators. With over 80% efficiency and an estimated 35-year lifespan, the gravity storage approach avoids reliance on scarce minerals or complex chemical cycles.

• The Rudong gravity battery project reached commercial operation in 2026.

What’s next

The long-term performance and maintenance of the gravity storage system, as well as its integration with other renewable and storage technologies, will be closely watched as this approach scales.