Green Gravity is transforming renewable energy storage by repurposing legacy mine shafts to create a cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable gravitational energy storage system. By harnessing the power of gravity to store and release energy, this innovative solution enhances grid stability while reducing environmental impact and reliance on chemical-based batteries.
Green Gravity: Pioneering Gravitational Energy Storage for a Sustainable Future
Revolutionising Energy Storage with Legacy Mining Assets
The rapid decarbonisation of the electricity grid is driving the integration of large-scale, intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. However, ensuring grid stability while accommodating these variable energy inputs presents a significant challenge. Traditional energy storage solutions, including lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydroelectricity, face limitations such as high costs, resource constraints, and environmental impacts.
Green Gravity is addressing these challenges with its innovative Gravitational Energy Storage System (GESS), which repurposes legacy mine shafts to store and release energy by raising and lowering heavy weights. This pioneering approach leverages existing infrastructure, minimises environmental impact, and provides a scalable, cost-effective solution for long-duration energy storage (LDES).
Transforming Renewable Energy Storage
Green Gravity’s mission is to radically accelerate the transition to renewable energy by offering an efficient, sustainable, and economically viable energy storage solution. By reusing disused mining assets, the company’s gravitational energy storage technology delivers critical benefits:
Sustainability: Reduces the need for new infrastructure, minimising environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
Grid Stability: Enhances the reliability of renewable energy by providing dispatchable power when needed.
Cost Efficiency: Reuses existing mine shafts, significantly reducing capital expenditure compared to new storage projects.
With millions of legacy mines globally, Green Gravity’s technology presents an opportunity to transform these underutilised assets into vital components of the future energy grid.
How the Gravitational Energy Storage System (GESS) Works
The GESS utilises heavy weighted objects that move vertically through mine shafts to store and release gravitational potential energy:
Energy Storage Mode: Weighted objects are lifted using electrical energy, converting it into gravitational potential energy.
Energy Release Mode: When energy is needed, the weighted objects are lowered, spinning a regenerative motor to generate electricity.
The system consists of regenerative motors at the mine surface, mine winder equipment for hoist control, stacking receivers within the shaft, and logistics infrastructure to handle multiple weighted objects. Depending on the configuration, the GESS can provide 15-100 MWh of energy, making it highly adaptable to various grid-scale storage needs. The system’s simple design, lack of fuel dependency, and reduced reliance on processed chemicals enhance its environmental and safety profile while offering a reliable, long-term energy solution.
Leadership Driving Innovation
Green Gravity is led by Mark Swinnerton, Founder and CEO, who brings over 25 years of experience in the mining, metals, manufacturing, and logistics sectors. Mark has held executive roles at BHP and has extensive expertise in operations and commercial functions across multiple countries. In 2021, he founded Green Gravity to connect the growing need for renewable energy storage with the vast global network of legacy mines, creating a scalable and sustainable storage solution.
Based in Wollongong, Australia, Mark has built a world-class team dedicated to delivering innovative change in energy storage while creating regional job opportunities and advancing renewable energy adoption.
Powering a Sustainable Energy Future
Green Gravity’s revolutionary GESS technology is well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the renewable energy transition. By repurposing legacy mining assets, the company is unlocking new opportunities for long-duration energy storage, reducing reliance on chemical-based batteries, and enhancing grid stability.
With growing industry support, expanding market presence, and a commitment to sustainability, Green Gravity is driving forward a cleaner, more resilient energy future, ensuring that renewable energy is available when and where it is needed most.
