In April of 2023, China Tianying (CNTY) commenced construction of Zhangye City's first Gravity Energy Storage System (GESS) project. Once completed, the 175 meter structure will be equipped with a peak power output of 17 MW and a maximum energy capacity of 68 MWh.
The Zhangye City project leverages excess electricity produced from new energy generation projects in Gansu Province to lift composite blocks or "mobile masses" during periods of "charging". During times of peak electricity demand, the gravity system will lower the composite blocks, generating electricity to help meet the region's power demands for 4 hours or longer.
In January 2024, the Zhangye City GESS project was selected, alongside the Rudong GESS project, by China's National Energy Administration (NEA) as a "New Energy Storage Pilot Demonstration" project. This recognition showcases the Zhangye project's important contribution to China's "Dual Carbon" goals of addressing renewable energy intermittency while also easing grid congestion and connection pains.
