South African state-owned utility Eskom has signed an agreement with Swiss firm Energy Vault to build the continent's first gravity storage system. The facility will be located in Mpumalanga, on the site of the former Hendrina coal power plant. With 25 MW of power and 100 MWh of capacity, it will be able to supply energy for four hours at full load.
30-ton blocks as a recyclable battery 🏗️
The EVx 2.0 GESS platform works on a simple principle: surplus electricity from solar plants lifts 30-ton blocks. When energy is needed, the blocks descend and drive generators that return power to the grid. Unlike pumped hydroelectric plants, it does not require large volumes of water. Additionally, the blocks can be made from industrial waste, reducing costs and avoiding supply issues.
The revenge of stones against coal 😂
It's curious that, to replace coal, Eskom has decided to return to the Stone Age. Sure, with 30-ton blocks that go up and down like a freight elevator in a luxury building. The best part is, if the power fails, at least you'll have construction material to build a wall. Who would have thought that South Africa's energy future would be lifting weights without breaking a sweat.