Civil engineering to new energy and energy storage

Can gravity-based energy storage make tall buildings more resilient?

In partnership with the company Energy Vault, SOM is designing and engineering the next generation of gravity-based energy storage systems—a technology with the potential to make renewable energy grids more resilient and achieve record carbon paybacks in tall buildings.

What is a gravity energy storage system (GESS)?

Having made strides in gravity energy storage systems (GESS)—which hold the potential to store and supply renewable energy to the power grid safely, for long periods, and without degrading—the global company sought out SOM’s architecture and engineering expertise to develop the next generation of GESS technology.

How does gravity energy storage work?

Gravity energy storage systems operate using similar principles as pumped hydro storage, which is currently the largest source of grid storage. GESS installations use surplus energy to lift heavy blocks, which creates potential energy that can later be converted into electricity when lowered to the ground.

Does Energy Vault have a partnership with Som?

In May 2024, Energy Vault, a company specializing in long-duration, grid-scale energy storage, announced an exclusive global partnership with SOM.