A Review of Gravity Energy Storage

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.