The US energy storage sector is experiencing increased competition as renewable energy adoption continues to rise, particularly in solar power generation. Long-duration energy storage—systems capable of storing power for at least 10 hours—has traditionally been dominated by pumped hydropower, which accounts for roughly 95% of utility-scale capacity in the country. However, the high costs and geographic limitations of pumped storage are creating opportunities for alternative technologies to enter the market.
Flywheel technology, an energy storage method dating back thousands of years to early pottery applications, is emerging as a viable option for long-duration storage. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, which store energy chemically, flywheels operate by spinning a rotor at extremely high speeds inside a vacuum chamber to store energy kinetically. When electricity is needed, the rotating mass drives a generator to return power to the grid. The technology offers advantages including rapid response capabilities, minimal fire risk, and potential for decades of reliable operation.
Qnetic, a startup with operations in both the US and China, is advancing flywheel technology with its Pulsar system, which targets the market for up to 12 hours of energy storage. The company is constructing a testing facility at its Technology Center in Shanghai, described as the world’s largest dedicated flywheel test cell, while developing prototypes and planning US-based manufacturing. Earlier this month, excavation and foundation work at the Shanghai site was reported to be underway, with progress on a 200 kilowatt-hour prototype.
Qnetic’s technology distinguishes itself through the use of a 15-foot tall carbon fiber rotor with magnetic levitation, which reduces wear and friction losses compared to conventional flywheel systems. The company has secured validation agreements with both the Electric Power Research Institute and the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. In March, Qnetic announced raising $7.1 million over a 12-month period, including a $5 million funding round this year, with funds directed toward establishing a California manufacturing facility for low-volume production of its Q500 system.
The expansion of flywheel technology represents part of a broader diversification in the energy storage market, alongside emerging thermal storage systems and compressed air technologies. As policymakers continue supporting domestic energy production and renewable integration, alternative long-duration storage solutions are positioning themselves to address gaps left by the geographic and economic constraints of traditional hydropower infrastructure.
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