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.

Can energy storage change the technical transition in the energy sector?

Therefore, energy storage has the potential to change the technical transition in the energy sector beyond its ability to promote the use of intermittent renewable energy. We center our attention on the incentives driving the innovation and deployment of storage technologies, and their role in the transition to cleaner energy.

Are energy storage technologies affecting climate goals?

The development of energy storage technologies creates opportunities for clean energy transitions in the transportation and electricity sectors. These technologies receive public and private support, yet their effective deployment faces various challenges that can potentially hinder climate goals, particularly in the electricity sector.

How can energy storage improve energy production?

Innovations in energy storage — the capture of energy produced at one time for later use — can protect against supply chain disruptions, reinforce the grid and foster U.S. manufacturing competitiveness. Batteries now support efforts to ensure low-cost, domestic energy production.

How can a battery energy storage system maximise the use of solar energy?

To maximise the use of the solar energy that is available some hours of the day, the electricity production from the panels must exceed the needs in that period, so that excess can be stored and utilised later, until the sun shines again. This is possible with battery energy storage systems (BESS).

How can grid-edge technologies transform energy infrastructure?

Grid-edge technologies – distributed solar with battery storage, smart meters, dynamic tariffs and demand response systems – can turn consumers into active participants in grid balancing. Modernising energy infrastructure is not a singular engineering challenge.