China deploys concrete block energy storage at scale
Source: Boing Boing
Energy Vault's gravity storage system—which stacks and restacks concrete blocks to bank excess power—moved from pilot to commercial deployment in China. The move suggests mechanical storage could compete with lithium-ion batteries for grid-scale applications without rare earth material constraints. The tower's architecture matters less than the economics: if concrete stacking undercuts battery costs while offering 30+ year lifespans and regional manufacturing advantages, utilities will have a real alternative for smoothing wind and solar intermittency. Compressed air, molten salt, and pumped hydro storage are also becoming viable as grid operators face battery supply bottlenecks and China's willingness to deploy capital-intensive infrastructure.