Gravitricity Ltd

clock • 1 min read

Gravitricity is an innovative mechanical energy storage technology developer.

We store electricity by lowering very heavy weights down deep vertical shafts. The 'clock weight' concept is Victorian, but using it for grid-connected electricity storage is novel, taking technologies from established industries (on- and off-shore heavy lift, power electronics, shaft sinking) and integrating them in innovative ways.

We have three patents pending, regarding basic concept plus various subsystem innovations.

Gravitricity's technology has very fast response ( < 1s to full power or charge); long lifetime (50+ years); no cyclical degradation, and can be designed to prioritise energy (up to 5MWh) or power (up to 20MW) .

The technology is particularly suited to long-life storage applications, and those where multiple revenues can be stacked. Initial projects will be in existing mineshafts in the UK, Europe, and South Africa. Later projects will use purpose sunk-shafts exactly where energy storage is required to avoid upgrades of distribution grids.

Gravitricity's CAPEX is competitive with Lithium batteries on a per-MW basis, and it's cost per MWh cycle is much lower than batteries for high-cycle or lifetime applications.

Full scale prototype deployment is planned for 2019, with subsystem testing in 2018. Gravitricity is looking to raise £500,000 seed finance in late 2017.

More on Technology

Biochar: How carbon removal technology can help green our cities

Biochar: How carbon removal technology can help green our cities

Biochar is more than just a tool for carbon capture - it represents a systems-based approach to climate action, writes Alastair Collier from A Healthier Earth

Alastair Collier, A Healthier Earth
clock 23 May 2025 • 4 min read
ClimateAi launches 'world-first' AI model for climate resilience planning

ClimateAi launches 'world-first' AI model for climate resilience planning

San Francisco tech firm merges weather data, consumer spending patterns, and socio-economic factors to support climate adaptation and risk management measures

Stuart Stone
clock 22 May 2025 • 3 min read
Ofwat Water Breakthrough Challenge: Drones, satellites, and underwater robots secure funding boost

Ofwat Water Breakthrough Challenge: Drones, satellites, and underwater robots secure funding boost

Innovation challenge backs a range of projects designed to tackle leaks and curb environmental impacts across the water industry

clock 20 May 2025 • 3 min read