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.

What is Ares technology & how does it work?

ARES technologies use no fossil fuel or water, produce zero emissions or hazardous waste, and have a 40+ year service life with no degradation or thermal runaway. Energy can be stored in many forms such as chemical energy (batteries), thermal energy (heat), kinetic energy (flywheels) and potential mechanical energy (hydro).

How long do ARES Systems last?

ARES systems are machines and have a 40-year service life with no degradation and no thermal runaway. ARES uses recycled steel rails, low-carbon and reclaimable mass cars, sophisticated motors and electronics, and freely available gravity, providing a fully sustainable renewable energy storage solution for utility-scale deployment.

How do Ares shuttle trains work?

During periods where excess energy is available on the grid (Reg-Down), ARES shuttle trains draw electricity from the grid which powers their drive motors to move the trains uphill against the force of gravity—efficiently converting electrical energy into gravitational potential energy.

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.

Does Ares work today?

No scientific breakthroughs are required to make ARES work today—the durability and efficiency of railroad technology has undergone over a century of refinement and has been proven over tens of millions of safe miles.