In the quest to integrate more renewable energy into our power grids, a novel mechanical energy storage technology is gaining traction, and researchers are now refining the methods to deploy it effectively. Slope-based gravity energy storage (SGES) systems, which store energy by raising and lowering large weights on inclined surfaces, offer a promising solution to the intermittency issues plaguing wind and solar power. However, the success of these systems hinges on selecting the right locations. A recent study published in *Southern Energy Construction* (南方能源建设) by Fan Zhang of the China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute has developed a systematic approach to site selection that could accelerate the adoption of this technology.
The study introduces a two-stage decision-making framework that combines geographic suitability analysis with the triangular fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP). “The long-term operational effectiveness of an SGES project is highly dependent on scientific site selection,” Zhang explains. “Our method ensures that candidate sites meet critical construction requirements while also considering electrical, economic, and social dimensions.”
In the first stage, the researchers conducted a geographic suitability analysis using constraints such as elevation difference, slope angle, land use, and infrastructure conditions. This step narrows down potential sites to those that are technically feasible. The second stage employs a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework, where nine evaluation criteria are weighted using the triangular FAHP. Expert evaluations are then integrated to rank the candidate sites comprehensively.
The study’s empirical validation in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, demonstrated the practical utility of the proposed method. The weighting results revealed that electrical criteria, particularly grid reliability, dominate the site-selection decision, while social criteria have the lowest weights. This insight underscores the importance of ensuring that SGES systems can reliably support the grid, a critical factor for energy providers.
Zhang’s research also highlights the successful construction of a 10 kW prototype at the selected optimal site, further validating the decision-making framework. “This research provides theoretical support for the scientific site selection of slope-based gravity energy storage systems,” Zhang notes, adding that the method broadens the application of the triangular FAHP in the field of gravity energy storage site selection.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector. As renewable energy sources continue to grow, the need for effective energy storage solutions becomes increasingly urgent. SGES systems offer a viable alternative to traditional storage methods, and the refined site-selection process developed by Zhang and his team could streamline their deployment. By ensuring that these systems are located in optimal positions, energy providers can enhance grid reliability, reduce costs, and maximize the benefits of renewable energy integration.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the methods developed in this study could shape future developments in gravity energy storage. The integration of subjective and objective evaluations through the FAHP provides a robust framework for decision-making, one that could be adapted for other energy storage technologies. Zhang’s work not only advances the field of SGES but also sets a precedent for systematic and data-driven approaches to energy infrastructure development.