China commissions the world's first commercial gravity battery.

[u/BitschWack]

*"The principle of operation of a gravitational battery is much simpler than lithium-ion batteries. Basically, it's just a system of cranes that raise and lower concrete blocks.

The design include hoists that lift 30-ton composite blocks using an electric motor. The raised blocks are stacked on top of each other, which creates potential energy. At the moment when the consumer needs energy, the blocks fall under the influence of gravity, and the energy released in this process is collected and sent to where it required. The plant is capable of storing up to 100 MWh of energy and delivering 25 MW of power."*

[u/Gardener_Of_Eden]

Storing energy in gravitational potential energy is how pumped hydro storage works. Not only is this not really new, it isn't as efficient.

On the other hand, this might be feasible in areas with extremely hot climates.

[u/BitschWack → u/Gardener_Of_Eden]

So this could be useful to China, specifically in the south?

[u/sir_psycho_sexy96 → u/BitschWack]

Solar would make more sense, either panels or concentrated solar power.

This looks expensive and prone to failure.

[u/Drevlin76 → u/sir_psycho_sexy96]

This is a battery system for the excess of the solar generation during the day.