Electric truck gravity energy storage: An alternative to seasonal energy storage

Hunt, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1840-7277, Jurasz, J., Zakeri, B. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9647-2878, Tong, W., Nascimento, A., Guo, F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6415-8083, Đurin, B., Dąbek, P., et al. (2024). Electric truck gravity energy storage: An alternative to seasonal energy storage. Energy Storage 6 (1) e575. 10.1002/est2.575.

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Abstract

The global shift toward a sustainable and eco-friendly energy landscape necessitates the adoption of long-term, high-capacity energy storage solutions. This research introduces an inventive energy storage concept involving the movement of granular materials from a lower elevation to a higher point within natural terrains such as mountains or excavated mining sites. Electrical energy is employed to charge electric batteries that elevate the granular material, thereby storing potential energy. Subsequently, this material is transported down during the electricity generation phase, and the regenerative braking mechanism converts the gravitational energy to replenish the vehicle's battery. The stored energy within these vehicles is then dispatched during peak demand periods or utilized by the vehicles for other freight transportation purposes. Our findings demonstrate a power cost of 1200 USD/kW, an energy storage expense spanning from 1 to 10 USD/kWh, a levelized cost of storage ranging from 35 to 200 USD/MWh, and a global annual potential of approximately 5.4 PWh. Electric vehicle gravity energy storage showcases its capability to bolster sustainable development by offering seasonal and multi-year energy storage services.

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