What is advanced rail energy storage?

Advanced Rail Energy Storage (ARES) uses proven rail technology to harness the power of gravity, providing a utility-scale storage solution at a cost that beats batteries. ARES’ highly efficient electric motors drive mass cars uphill, converting electric power to mechanical potential energy.

How does Ares energy storage work?

ARES energy storage technology employs a fleet of electric traction drive shuttle-trains, operating on a closed low-friction automated steel rail network to transport a field of heavy masses between two storage yards at different elevations.

What rated power and energy capacity can an Ares facility provide?

An ARES facility can be constructed over a wide range of rated power and energy capacities from a small 25 MW facility with 6.25 MW h of storage capacity up to or beyond a 2000 MW facility with 240 000 MW h of storage.

Where is Ares Nevada launching a new energy storage project?

A project nearly a full decade in the making, ARES Nevada LLC has finally moved the first shovelful of dirt to kick off construction of its brand new energy storage project, the ARES GravityLine, located right here in the Pahrump Valley, with an official groundbreaking ceremony hosted on Thursday, Oct. 8 in honor of the Read more >

What types of energy can be stored in a rail-based gravity storage system?

Energy can be stored in many forms such as chemical energy (batteries), thermal energy (heat), kinetic energy (flywheels) and potential mechanical energy (hydro). Similar to hydro, ARES uses the potential mechanical energy available due to gravity. The figures below demonstrate how rail-based gravity storage works, at a basic level.