SOM & Energy Vault Partnership: Revolutionizing Energy Storage in Buildings
SOM Partners with Energy Vault for Gravity Energy Storage Buildings: Burj Khalifa Designer Leads Innovation
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SOM, the designer of Burj Khalifa, partners with Energy Vault to integrate gravity energy storage systems into buildings. Learn about this innovative urban trend and its implications for sustainability.
Key Highlights:
- SOM partners with Energy Vault to integrate gravity energy storage systems into buildings.
- SOM leads as primary architect and structural engineer for Energy Vault's next-gen systems.
- SOM's Adam Semel and Bill Baker, designer of Burj Khalifa, spearhead the project.
Introduction to the Partnership
Chicago, IL - The renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM), famous for designing iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa, has announced an innovative partnership with Energy Vault Holdings Inc. to integrate energy storage systems into building designs.
Innovative Collaboration Unveiled
On Thursday, May 30, SOM revealed this collaboration through a post on X (formerly Twitter), envisioning a future where buildings could function as massive batteries. "What if a building could become a battery? We've partnered w/ Energy Vault to optimize its gravity energy storage system," SOM stated.
What if a building could become a battery? We've partnered w/ Energy Vault to optimize its gravity energy storage system—where heavy blocks stored high, when released, create energy that can be converted into electricity
— Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (@SOM_Design) May 30, 2024
Read about it in @Bloomberg → https://t.co/3Jm8mLTqXV pic.twitter.com/MEjTjuXHCs
Energy Vault's Enthusiasm
Energy Vault also expressed their enthusiasm for this groundbreaking partnership on X: "Excited to announce our exclusive global partnership with @SOM_Design! We’re integrating #GravityEnergyStorage into building design with our next-gen G-VAULT™ solutions, driving sustainability and innovation."
The Gravity Energy Storage System
The core of this innovative approach lies in Energy Vault's gravity energy storage system. This system operates by lifting heavy blocks to store energy. When energy is needed, the blocks are lowered, converting potential energy into electricity. The concept is akin to a building-scale battery, leveraging gravity to generate power.
Exclusive Global Partnership
Under this exclusive global partnership, SOM will serve as the primary architect and structural engineer for the next generation of Energy Vault's gravity energy storage systems. The collaboration aims to enhance sustainability, accelerate carbon payback, and reduce energy consumption costs.
The New Platform: G-VAULT GESS
The new platform, G-VAULT GESS (Gravity Energy Storage System), will feature solutions such as EVu, EVc, EVy, and EV0, focusing on improved economics, energy density, and sustainability.
Leadership and Expertise
The partnership is spearheaded by SOM's managing partner, Adam Semel, along with Scott Duncan, and Structural Engineer Bill Baker, renowned for his role in designing the Burj Khalifa. Their combined expertise promises to drive this ambitious project forward, blending architectural excellence with cutting-edge energy technology.
Driving Sustainable Urban Development
This innovative venture marks a significant step towards sustainable urban development, transforming how buildings interact with energy and paving the way for a greener future.
