Electric Truck Gravity Energy Storage, a Solution for Long-Term Energy Storage

Abstract

The world is undergoing a transition to a more sustainable energy sector dominated by renewable energy sources, which is increasing the need for long-term energy storage alternatives. This paper proposes an innovative energy storage solution that consists of transporting sand from a lower to an upper storage site at the top of a mountain or pit mine. Electricity is used to charge the battery of an electric to carry sand up the mountain, storing potential energy. When electricity is generated, the truck carries the sand down the mountain and the regenerative braking system transforms the potential energy into electricity to charge the electric truck batteries. The energy stored in the electric truck can be sold to the grid or used by the truck to transport other goods. Results show that the levelized cost of energy of electric truck gravity energy storage varies between 35-200 USD/kWh, with an energy storage cost of 1 to 10 USD/kWh, an installed capacity cost of 1.200 USD/kW with a global potential of this technology being 5.4 PWh per year. Electric truck gravity energy storage can operate in combination with electric truck hydropower and can provide short and long-term energy storage services to the grid.

Keywords: Energy Storage, gravity energy storage, hydropower, electric trucks, energy transition, Renewable energy