New battery technology could be a ‘game changer’ for regional Australian communities

The CEO of Swiss company Energy Vault says its gravity storage technology can be built anywhere you can build a 20-storey building

• Sign up for the Rural Network email newsletter
• Join the Rural Network group on Facebook to be part of the community

The head of a Swiss energy company which has been contracted to build a solar storage battery in Victoria says its technology will be a game changer" for rural communities because it can be built anywhere - provided the locals don't mind having a structure that is as tall as a 20-storey building.

Energy Vault has pioneered a gravity energy storage system that uses surplus energy to raise 35-tonne blocks, made out of recycled materials, to the top of the tall battery structure. Energy is released by lowering those blocks.

Sign up to receive Guardian Australia's fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter

Sign up for the Rural Network email newsletter

Join the Rural Network group on Facebook to be part of the community