Ukrainian concrete block energy storage

Can solar energy be stored in concrete blocks?

This could be easily solved if we found a way to store solar energy. In October of 2019, we brought you news of a Swiss startup, Energy Vault, that had one such solution for clean energy storage in the form of huge concrete blocks. At the time, the firm had received $110 million in investments from SoftBank.

How does a concrete block work?

Solar or wind energy is siphoned into one of these tower blocks, and then AI informs the concrete blocks to rise up. Following this, the blocks are then " returned to the ground, and the kinetic energy generated from the falling brick is turned back into electricity," as per the company's own description. Energy Vault concrete block.

What is a heavy block?

“Heavy” blocks in this case means 35 tons (70,000 pounds or 31,751 kg). The blocks are made of a composite material that uses soil and locally-sourced waste, which can include anything from concrete debris and coal ash to decommissioned wind turbine blades (talk about coming full circle).

How much does a heavy block weigh?

When they’re lowered to the ground (or lowered a few hundred feet through the air), their weight pulls cables that spin turbines, generating electricity. “Heavy” blocks in this case means 35 tons (70,000 pounds or 31,751 kg).