The company (SOM) that designed Burj Khalifa announced their plans to build skyscrapers that could store energy, like batteries, using gravity. As of present, Burj Khalifa stands as the tallest building worldwide.
In addition, they announced their partnership for this project with the Energy Vault, to optimize skyscraper gravity energy storage systems and design sustainable building architectures that are enabled to accelerate carbon paybacks for the first time. Their proposal is based on the fact that once heavy blocks stored high are released they generate energy which can be converted into electricity.
Both companies stated that SOM, will be the exclusive architect and structural engineer for Energy Vault's next-generation gravity energy storage systems (GESS). This agreement includes integrating the technology into tall urban buildings and deployable structures in natural settings, maximizing sustainability, accelerating carbon payback, and reducing the levelized cost of energy consumption.
Energy vault’s spokesperson stated that they started their partnership last year to improve the structure, architecture, and economics of its GESS technology, which plays a critical role in the deployment of renewable energy globally. Also, they highlighted that the combination of their pioneering gravity energy storage technology with SOM's expertise will provide the first platform to achieve accelerated carbon payback in building construction and operation.
It should be mentioned that SOM has already designed prototypes that elevate massive blocks using an electric motor, which creates potential energy that can be converted into power as the blocks are lowered. Particularly, they have created four storage systems based on this concept, three utilizing heavy blocks or water. While the first two are integrated into hillsides, the third one was designed as a tall, cylindrical tower that can be used in urban areas and could be incorporated into residences, retail buildings or office spaces.
The concept of these projects seems alike with the widely used pumped hydroelectric plants. Specifically, Energy Vault completed near Shanghai, its first major project this month, a stand-alone storage system that can supply up to 25 megawatts of power for four hours at 150 meters height. But the new project with the SOM partnership will start at 300 meters height. According to Bloomberg, other companies are also testing new types of gravity storage systems, including those using abandoned oil wells and mines.
In all, this project stands as a commitment to accelerating the world’s transition away from fossil fuels and exploring how renewable energy architecture can enhance shared environments.
Sources: interestingengineering.com, reneweconomy.com.au
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