Comparative simulation of gravity and battery energy storage for solar PV systems: Performance and sustainability insights

The increasing integration of renewable energy sources necessitates sustainable and cost-effective Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to mitigate intermittency and ensure grid stability. While Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are widely deployed in Malaysia for their high energy density and fast response, their performance degradation and lifecycle limitations pose challenges to large-scale, long-duration applications. This study evaluates Gravity Energy Storage Systems (GESS) as an alternative by conducting a unified techno-economic, environmental, and operational performance analysis under identical photovoltaic (PV) conditions. A MATLAB-based, capacity-matched dynamic simulation model incorporating a 135 kWp PV system and a real-time energy management strategy is developed to compare GESS and BESS in terms of net usable energy, grid reliance, PV curtailment, and state-of-charge (SOC)-dependent behavior. Results demonstrate that GESS delivers higher net usable energy, achieves near-zero PV curtailment (0.005 % vs. 8.23 % for BESS), and reduces grid dependence, particularly across mid-range initial SOC levels. These simulation results align with the varied levelized cost projections documented in the literature for GESS and BESS. Overall, the analysis highlights that BESS is well-suited for short-term, high-power applications requiring rapid response, whereas GESS offers a high-capacity, cost-effective, and scalable solution for long-term energy shifting in solar-centric grids, emphasizing the need for further research on its deployment feasibility and long-term performance. © 2026