A German experiment proved that simple concrete spheres make fantastic batteries. Now, California plans to submerge a 9-meter diameter sphere in the ocean and is already planning versions of 30 meters. - farmingdale-observer.com/2025/…
This is just a modified version of the pump water up a hill and generate electricity when it falls back down. There is a lot of loss in a system like this.
Looks like you only recover about 70-80% of the electricity. Much less than a chemical battery, but it’s also much cheaper to build.
Bonus tho: gravity doesn’t degrade as much. And rocks don’t contain a lot of dangerous chemicals
These aren’t relying on gravity, theyre relying on maintaining a vacuum, and concrete is extremely porous. They’re obviously sealing the inside of the chamber, but basically no coatings have a lifetime of 60 years for holding vacuum.
Oh you’re right. That’s on me for reading while tired.
It’s definitely possible to build a structure like this. Even if these prototypes might not be perfect, I like the idea.