These giant batteries store energy, but not as electricity

Wind and solar generate cheap, clean power, but not always when it's needed most. So storing energy is an important part of a low-carbon grid — and storing it as heat can be cheaper, safer and more convenient than storing it in traditional batteries.

These giant batteries store energy, but not as electricity
A huge, multi-story cylinder sits in scaffolding with a crane in the foreground, dwarfing shipping containers around it.

Wind and solar generate cheap, clean power, but not always when it's needed most. So storing energy is an important part of a low-carbon grid — and storing it as heat can be cheaper, safer and more convenient than storing it in traditional batteries.